Manchester United are desperate to trim their bloated squad during the winter window (according to MEN) but, at the same time, have stepped up interest in AC Milan star Hakan Çalhanoğlu whose contract expires in June, Mundo Deportivo understands.
The Red Devils, under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, have been highly unpredictable in terms of their display and outcomes. They have defeated the likes of PSG and RB Leipzig but suffered a shocking European defeat against İstanbul Başakşehir. The scenario is quite the same in Premier League, particularly at Old Trafford where they have dominated their opponents for decades.
Current Status And The Evergrowing Interest From The European Hotshots
Çalhanoğlu, meanwhile, has rejected a contract extension having demanded a figure way more than what the Rossoneri have tabled. Following his €24m summer move from Bayer Leverkusen three years back, the 26-year-old Turkey international has appeared 140 times till date across various competitions and impressed as a ‘number 10’ behind the frontline. He has fired in and laid on 4 times each in 11 outings this season too [Transfermarket] but is now aiming a move elsewhere amid approach from Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Inter Milan alongside United.
The Rojiblancos have been after the Turkish playmaker for a while and Milan, with little time left, must look to cash in on their prized asset over losing for free at the end of the current campaign. His situation has alerted an array of heavyweights and United, one of the potential suitors, must go for a bidding war before it gets too late.
Why Manchester United Must Opt For Çalhanoğlu
Having said that, the Red Devils must offload a few fringe players and are working on the exits of Sergio Romero, Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones who are surplus to requirements at the Theatre of Dreams. Timothy Fosu-Mensah has less than 12 months left on his contract and the 22-year-old Dutchman is prepared for fresh opportunities in order to attain regular minutes elsewhere.
Although Manchester United have Bruno Fernandes and Donny van de Beek capable of operating as midfield attackers, the signing of Çalhanoğlu would inject more depth, quality, creativity as well as set-piece expertise within the squad. All three of them are versatile enough to attune to multiple roles and the Milan sensation, in particular, has proved the same by showing his adaptability down the left-hand flank. He has also exhibited his efficiency from a slightly deeper midfield slot and the flexibility he offers across the pitch would help Solskjær finding a way out under unfavourable circumstances.
