Manchester United are reportedly ready to hold off on their pursuit of French midfielder Tanguy Ndombele till the future of Paul Pogba is resolved.
If the report by Metro is to be believed, Manchester United are prepared to delay making a move for Tanguy Ndombele. The priority for the Premier League heavyweights is to get the future of Paul Pogba sorted, amid interest in the Frenchman from Real Madrid, before moving on to the Lyon midfielder.
Tanguy Ndombele has enjoyed a scintillating rise to stardom over the last couple of seasons, wherein Lyon have become ever-present in the top four of Ligue 1. In particular, Les Gones have impressed with their exciting brand of football, with an enterprising midfield being a solid base for the same.
Ndombele has been an active part of the midfield unit during this period, and this season, he has made 48 appearances across all competitions, emphasising his importance to the side. The player’s exploits have also helped him break into the French national side while piquing the interest of some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Manchester United.
The Red Devils were recently mentioned as the club that could make the move for Ndombele in the summer transfer window by French football agent Yvan Le Mee. And, Manchester United do seem to be in the need for midfield reinforcements following an embarrassing 2018-19 campaign.
While Nemanja Matic looks well past his best, Ander Herrera’s impending departure as a free agent is set to leave a big hole in United’s midfield department. To make matters more concerning for Manchester United, Paul Pogba’s future at Old Trafford is up in the air.
The 2018 World Cup winner has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid in recent weeks, with the player’s comments pointing towards Los Blancos being his dream club only putting United further on the edge. But, the Premier League giants will only let the 26-year-old leave if he submits a transfer request, as per recent reports.
The “will he, won’t he” situation though, is complicating Manchester United’s pursuit of Ndombele, with the report claiming that the club will only make a move for the Lyon star after Pogba’s situation is clear.
But, this strategy could cost United dear, with Metro suggesting that the likes of Tottenham, PSG and Juventus are also keen on signing the 22-year-old. However, if Ndombele indeed is seen as a replacement for Pogba instead of Herrera, the stance does make sense, considering Pogba’s importance to the side.
It now remains to be seen if Pogba ends up pledging his loyalty to Manchester United this summer. If not, we could see the Red Devils finally launch the offensive for Tanguy Ndombele to be his compatriot’s replacement at Old Trafford.
