Manchester United are following Barcelona defender Mikayil Faye ahead of a potential summer transfer.
United scouts were present as the 19-year old scored a spectacular goal for Senegal on his international debut against Gabon on Friday night and they have been following his progress for the past three months.
Faye, who can play at left-back or centre back, is with Barcelona’s B side after joining the club a year ago from NK Kustosija in Croatia.
A product of the Diambars Academy in Senegal, Faye has impressed with his athleticism and physicality. His goal against Gabon also underlined his technical ability as he hit a controlled 30 yard shot with his left foot into the top corner during his country’s 3-0 win.
Barcelona rejected offers of £13million from Nice and Lens in January as they have planned for him to progress but interest is gathering from more elite European sides.
Barcelona rejected offers in January for Mikayil Faye but could be forced to sell for £25million
Faye, pictured playing for Senegal Under-17 in 2019, scored on his senior international debut
Xabi Alonso‘s Bayer Leverkusen are also very keen on Faye, as are Inter Milan, and finances at Barcelona dictate they would need to consider more serious offers.
United are actively looking for a left back and centre back. They have been hindered by injuries to Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw this season and want young, robust options going forward.
There is no secret to their admiration of Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite but he is purely a centre back while the Goodison club would want in excess of £60million for a player who should make his England debut this week.
Faye could be prised away for around £25m, is younger, and provides more versatility. He has similarities in style to United’s Lisandro Martinez but is bigger and offers more threat going forward.
United’s main concern could come from Leverkusen. The Bundesliga leaders are expecting interest in their defenders this summer and want to maintain a strong squad to help convince coach Xabi Alonso to stay and compete in the Champions League next season.
They are understood to be pushing for Faye in a bid to head off competition early for what is shaping up to be an important summer window.
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