Transfer News: Andreas Granqvist confirms Manchester United interest

Andreas Granqvist, who has previously played Premier League football with Wigan Athletic, has confirmed that Manchester United are interested in him.

In an interview with Swedish publication Expressen, Andreas Granqvist has revealed that he has held discussions with Manchester United over a possible move. The Red Devils had been linked with a bevy of centre-backs in the summer transfer window, with Jose Mourinho eager to add some leadership in defence.

Manchester United’s desperate attempts to sign a top class central defender have been well documented. In fact, Mourinho has been an unhappy man over the defensive frailties of his side for the better part of 2018, with his side’s struggles at the back towards the end of last season strengthening his desire to bolster his backline.

In particular, the Manchester United boss has been keen on signing someone who can lead and organise the defensive line while also helping build play from the back, much like Virgil van Dijk has at Liverpool, who are now bonafide Premier League contenders.

However, Mourinho’s wishes were not granted this past summer, as Manchester United failed to land a centre-back. But, the Premier League heavyweights are still reportedly eyeing a possible move for a centre-back, with the latest of their targets being Sweden captain Andreas Granqvist, who has confirmed the interest in him.

“There is indeed interest. I am honoured that I am linked with such a big club. If there is a concrete offer in January, then both the club and I will accept that, but that is currently not the case.”

The interest in Granqvist does not exactly come as a surprise, with Manchester United recently linked with a number of experienced defenders for the sole purpose of having a leader in the back four. Widespread reports though, suggests that United only intend on signing the 33-year-old on loan until the end of the season – the part of the rumours that do not make much sense.

But, if Manchester United do make a move for Granqvist in January, they might stand a good chance of landing him, as suggested by the player’s comments. The veteran defender’s previous experience in the Premier League playing for Wigan Athletic could hold him in good stead as well.

Additionally, his success alongside Victor Lindelof with the Swedish National Side means Granqvist could aid the development of the struggling youngster as well, following a slow start to the season for Lindelof.

But, with several other centre-backs being linked, it all remains guesswork as to who the priority target is. What is certain is that Manchester United are indeed showing interest in Granqvist, and it will be interesting to see if he ends up moving to Old Trafford in the January transfer window.