Kieran Trippier is still on Manchester United’s “watch list” as they look to add a new right-back to their squad this summer.
But they fear being held to ransom by Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy – even though their Mauricio Pochettino isn’t against cashing in on one of England's World Cup 2018 heroes.
Hard-nosed negotiator Levy will still demand in excess of £30million for the former Burnley defender, leading United to believe Crystal Palace rising star Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is seven years younger at 21, may be the better long-term bet – even though he would cost them around £45m.
It looks a straight fight between Trippier and Wan-Bissaka.
It would seem that new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is not convinced Portuguese youngster Diogo Dalot – signed for £19m from Porto last summer when Jose Mourinho was in charge – is ready to be his first-choice right-back.
Trippier’s speed and extensive Premier League and European experience is tempting for United.
But the defender – born in Greater Manchester – didn’t have a stand-out season for Spurs after being one of England’s best performers as they came within 24 minutes of the final at Russia 2018.
Indeed, he is not even in the squad selected by Gareth Southgate for the Nations League finals this week – Manchester City's Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool were chosen instead.
Pochettino isn’t averse to finding an upgrade over Trippier, even though the defender still has three years remaining on his contract. And sources close to the player suggest he’d be happy with a move to Old Trafford if he’s not wanted by Tottenham.
Solskjaer has told executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward he’d like United's summer transfer business done early, but dealing with Levy can often be fraught with difficulties — and that could ultimately steer them towards Wan-Bissaka.
