According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United is interested in signing £40 million-rated Brighton star Tariq Lamptey as Ralf Rangnick aims to add some much-needed defensive reinforcements to his squad.
Since coming as interim manager in late November, the German coach has had a difficult start at Old Trafford, with Man Utd sitting in seventh place in the Premier League table following a defeat to Wolves on January 3rd.
Rangnick is expected to bring in reinforcements in the second half of the season to help United get back in contention for a top-four finish, with the Daily Mail reporting that the Manchester giants are looking for a new right-back and holding midfielder.
Rangnick has been linked with a number of midfielders in recent weeks as he attempts to reinforce his midfield, but it appears the Red Devils are also speeding up their search for a right-back. The German coach is looking for a replacement for Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot, who haven’t impressed this season, and Lamptey has emerged as a top target.
According to the outlet, Manchester United is interested in signing Lamptey because of his versatility, which allows him to play as a right-back or a wing-back.
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Since joining Brighton from Chelsea in January 2020, the 21-year-old has evolved into one of the Premier League’s most highly-rated young defenders, and he’s been a key member of Graham Potter’s starting eleven on the South Coast.
Lamptey’s outstanding exploits on the right wing have aided Brighton’s rise up the table to ninth place in the Premier League, and he has also been capped by England at various junior levels.
Brighton will be determined to maintain hold of the teenager at least until the end of the season, but if Manchester United comes in with an enticing bid this month, it may be tough to prevent a transfer.
United is trying to recruit Lamptey for roughly £30 million, but Brighton would expect closer to £40 million, so luring the full-back away from the Amex Stadium will require a sizable fee.
