Manchester United were going to trust Old Trafford chief Erik ten Hag in his pursuit of 'key target' Jeremie Frimpong before the Bayer Leverkusen star suffered an injury while on international duty, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
Ten Hag spent more than £200million on reinforcements during the summer, as per Transfermarkt, but he will be handed another opportunity to splash the cash in January.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones
Man United transfer news - Jeremie Frimpong
According to respected Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United chief ten Hag is holding internal discussions over whether to draft in a new right-back during the early stages of 2023.
The transfer guru suggests Frimpong has been scouted and would be keen to complete a switch to Old Trafford, but direct negotiations are not underway at this stage.
However, that could change very soon as Sky Sports Germany have revealed that Manchester United plan to accelerate talks after the World Cup.
German media outlet Sport1 have reported that Leverkusen will be unwilling to offload Frimpong, who was recently approached by Barcelona and has additional admirers in Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, for less than £26million.
Journalist Simon Phillips has also told GIVEMESPORT that Chelsea have been scouting the 21-year-old ahead of the January transfer window opening for business.
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
What has Dean Jones said about Frimpong?
Jones believes Frimpong is firmly on Manchester United's radar, but they could hesitate in making a move after ESPN footage showed him in tears after picking up an injury while training with the Netherlands last week.
The journalist understands that the Red Devils' hierarchy were going to back ten Hag in his pursuit of the Leverkusen man ahead of the setback.
When asked how the injury could have an impact on Manchester United's interest, Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "We will have to see how that one plays out because he's definitely a player that they've had in their sights.
"He was a player that Manchester United were going to give Ten Hag trust over, in terms of being a good fit for the team and what they are building.
"With the vision they have got in mind and obviously him being a key target, we will have to watch closely to see how he actually is."
How has Frimpong performed at the World Cup?
The injury setback is a cruel blow for Frimpong after an impressive start to the season resulted in him being included in the Netherlands squad heading to Qatar.
It also means he could go the whole World Cup without playing a single minute as he has been an unused substitute in all four of his country's clashes so far and is still seeking his first cap, according to Transfermarkt.
But Manchester United only need to look at his form for Leverkusen to see that he would be a shrewd addition as, via the same stats provider, he has notched eight goal contributions in 21 appearances.
Frimpong has averaged more goals, assists, shots and a better pass completion ratio per 90 minutes than current Red Devils first choice right-back Diogo Dalot this season, as per FBref, which emphasises that he could be an upgrade.
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