Manchester United could see Leicester City star Youri Tielemans become a 'real option' in the transfer market if Champions League football heads to Old Trafford next season, CBS reporter Ben Jacobs has told GiveMeSport.

Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag bolstered his options by completing the loan signings of Jack Butland, Wout Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer during the January window, but there will be another opportunity to freshen up the squad in the summer.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update

Man United transfer news - Youri Tielemans

According to Sky Sports, Manchester United discussed the possibility of signing Tielemans during the final hours of the winter window.

But the report suggests the Red Devils turned to Sabitzer, who they signed on loan from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, after discovering Leicester's asking price was likely to be too high.

Manchester United were not the only side who mulled over whether to strike a late deal for Tielemans as Arsenal, who are long-term admirers, considered heading to the negotiating table.

However, the central midfielder, whose £120,000-per-week contract is due to expire in the summer, has remained on Leicester's books and is set to become a free agent.

Transfer insider Dean Jones recently told GiveMeSport that Manchester United would find it difficult to come to an agreement with the Foxes over Tielemans during the final stages of the January window.

What has Ben Jacobs said about Tielemans?

Jacobs believes Tielemans' head could be turned and a move to Manchester United may become attractive if they qualify for the Champions League.

However, the respected journalist has warned that Arsenal are likely to also be in the hunt for the Belgium international's signature.

Jacobs told GiveMeSport: "I think that Tielemans was was not too sold on Manchester United under previous managers. But, with Erik ten Hag turning things around, if Manchester United qualify for the Champions League that could be a real option for them.

"If they lose a midfielder, they might feel like a box-to-box midfielder or an attacking midfielder, like Youri Tielemans, he could be the type of player that not only balances the books a little bit but can chip in with some goals and help add a little bit of control into central midfield. Manchester United and Arsenal are still two to watch."

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Would Tielemans be a good signing for Man United?

Leicester forked out £40million when they signed Tielemans from Monaco in 2019, according to BBC Sport, so securing his services as a free agent would surely be a shrewd piece of business from Manchester United.

The 25-year-old offers plenty of Premier League experience, having made 141 appearances in the competition during his time at the King Power Stadium, and that is an attraction as he would not need time to get up to speed.

Despite uncertainty over his future, Tielemans has still shone for Leicester and James Maddison is the only teammate to have been handed a better average match rating by WhoScored this season.

Foxes chief Brendan Rodgers has previously described the former Anderlecht man as 'one of Europe’s top midfielders', further highlighting that he would be an astute signing.

Manchester United should not think twice about attempting to persuade Tielemans to head to Old Trafford in the summer.

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