Manchester United have been ‘offered’ the chance to sign Borussia Dortmund full-back Thomas Meunier, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The Red Devils are believed to be in the market for defensive reinforcements following their hugely disappointing start to the campaign and could turn to the experienced 30-year-old.
What is the latest news involving Meunier?
A recent report from The Telegraph has claimed that a €15 million (£12.6m) fee has been ‘proposed’ for Meunier, who has also been linked with a move to Barcelona this summer.
The Belgium international still has two years remaining on his £164,000-per-week contract at the Signal Iduna Park but could be allowed to seek pastures new before September’s deadline.
It’s believed that United are yet to make an offer for Meunier, although he ‘appears to be a more likely target’ than Barca’s Sergino Dest.
That is despite the American international reportedly being told he can leave Camp Nou after falling down the pecking order under Xavi and being linked with a reunion with Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
Nevertheless, any deal for Meunier or Dest could hinge on United first being able to offload Aaron Wan-Bissaka which could prove to be difficult as Crystal Palace are currently his only potential suitor.
What has Jones said about Meunier?
Jones believes United need to decide whether to pursue Dest or Meunier and has disclosed to GiveMeSport that the Dortmund star has essentially been ‘put on their lap’.
He said: “Dest was the number-one choice, but Meunier has been offered to them. So, ultimately, what do you do?
“Do you go after the guy you've actually scouted yourselves, the guy that probably fits in your system, a guy that your manager knows. Or Thomas Meunier’s been offered to them and basically put on their lap.”
Would Meunier be a good signing?
Meunier arrived at Dortmund on a free transfer back in 2020 after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired and he has enjoyed mixed success since then.
In 62 appearances across all competitions, the 6 foot 3 ace has registered three goals and seven assists, putting up far more eye-catching underlying numbers.
As per FBref, Meunier has ranked in the 94th percentile for progressive passes and progressive carries, 93rd for aerial duels won, and 82nd for total shots amongst his positional peers over the last year.
While Meunier may not be a long-term solution to United’s right-back woes, he could be a decent stop gap for Ten Hag for the next few years.