JEREMIE FRIMPONG could find himself at the centre of a summer head-to-head between both Manchester clubs.
City and United are keen on the highly-rated Dutchman, who joined Celtic five years ago and now plays for Bundesliga front-runners Bayer Leverkusen.
But United have also made regular visits to watch him at Bayer Leverkusen, where he has shone in their march towards a first Bundesliga title.
Frimpong, 23, has a one-off £35million release clause that can only be activated this summer, despite a contract which runs until 2028.
City see him as a potential long-term successor to Kyle Walker, who name-checked the youngster on England duty last week.
Wing-back Frimpong, who spent two years at Celtic before moving to Germany in 2021, can play on either flank, and Bayer have also used him in midfield.
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Frimpong spent over a decade at City’s academy before his move to Celtic and the fact he would be classed as home-grown and academy-trained is another financial plus to Etihad bosses.
They are aware of their neighbours’ interest in a man who has scored 11 goals with as many assists in Leverkusen’s astonishing season.
United’s new regime sees Frimpong as having the perfect profile in terms of age and asking price.
He has scored more times than forward Marcus Rashford this season, who has scored just seven goals and provided two assists.
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And although Germany’s champions-elect are desperate to keep him, they will be powerless if either Manchester club triggers the release fee.
United are looking to bolster their backline next season under new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Erik ten Hag’s squad are currently battling it out with Tottenham and Aston Villa for a top-four finish to secure their Champions League spot for the next campaign.
They are currently 11 points adrift from Villa after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Brentford on Saturday.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
