Rennes president releases Desire Doue update as Man United prepare “formal approach”

Manchester United could make a formal approach for Desire Doue in the coming weeks after Rennes’ president addressed the youngster’s situation.

The Reds are looking to strengthen their squad going into next season after an underwhelming Premier League campaign last term.

Of course, an FA Cup victory at the end of the season was excellent, but INEOS recognise that a lot of work needs to be done at Old Trafford.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is hoping to build a team with excellent young talent involved – which is why Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund are considered untouchable in the summer transfer window.

A recent report from AcademyScoop claimed that United have already held initial talks with the representatives of Desire Doue, a French youngster playing for Ligue 1 side Rennes.

Doue, 18, is an attacking player who can operate in the midfield or on the wing. He played 42 games for Rennes during their 2023/24 campaign and is being watched by several other big clubs.

The aforementioned report added that Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal are also showing interest in the midfielder but that a formal approach from Old Trafford could be made in the coming weeks, with INEOS eager to avoid losing out to the competition.

Now, Rennes president Olivier Cloarec has addressed the 18-year-old’s situation and has explained the French club’s intention to keep him.

However, Cloarec admitted that he is aware of the interest in the teenager and that they will assess the offers in the coming months.

“Obviously, we’d like to keep him, but we know he’s been followed for a long time by the biggest European clubs, and that won’t change this summer. I’m not talking about numbers; we’ll see based on the offers and the market,” he told Ouest-France, as per MEN.

French outlet Ouest France has reported that Rennes are preparing to sell the French wonderkid this summer and are open to offers between £34-42 million.

Doue came through the youth ranks at Les Rouges et Noirs and has two years remaining on his current contract.

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