MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly opened talks over a free transfer for Dan-Axel Zagadou.
The giant Borussia Dortmund defender, 22, is in the final six months of his contract.
And Fussball Transfers claims Ralf Rangnick is eager to snap up 6ft 6in Zagadou for nothing when his deal expires this summer.
United targeted a move for the France Under-21 star last year during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign.
And Zagadou was also wanted by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta before he moved for Brighton’s Ben White.
Zagadou has played 13 times for Dortmund this season after recovering from a lengthy knee injury.
And Rangnick believes he could do a fine job for United with doubts over Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly and Phil Jones.
However, Dortmund are also keen on keeping Zagadou in Germany.
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And they have opened talks over a new contract to prevent him becoming a free agent.
Yet that hasn’t stopped United from making contact with Zagadou’s agent Moussa Sissoko.
He also represents Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele – another reported summer target for the Red Devils.
But Zagadou is understood to be comfortable in Marco Rose’s Dortmund set-up.
And he would be happy to stay put should the Bundesliga side make a good offer.
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Rangnick has other hopes though, having tried desperately to sign Zagadou during his time at RB Leipzig.
His passion could swing the deal in United’s favour as their new interim boss looks to stamp his mark on the squad.
But regardless of the outcome, Rangnick is still set to approve a shock loan move for Axel Tuanzebe to Napoli following a poor half-season at Aston Villa.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk