The Daily Mail reports that Manchester United had scouts in attendance to watch Lainer in Austria’s recent 2-1 defeat to Denmark.
The 25-year-old central midfielder will see his contract at Leipzig expire in 2023. If a new deal isn’t on the horizon, this summer is the perfect time for the DFB Pokal winners to cash in.
That’s certainly what United hope will happen, according to Bild. The German outlet’s report is relayed by the Mail who add that United are ‘keen’ to bring Laimer to England.
Laimer was first brought to United’s attention via former boss and current Austria manager, Ralf Rangnick.
Laimer would represent a far more cost-effective alternative to the likes of De Jong or Declan Rice for example. Prior reports indicated his contract situation could mean he moves for just £17m this summer.
Rangnick is claimed to have recommended Laimer to United’s hierarchy while at the club. The fact they continue to scout him even after Rangnick has departed suggests they have liked what they’ve seen.
Laimer has been a regular starter in the Bundesliga over three of the last four seasons. The only campaign he didn’t feature regularly – 2020-21 – was due to an ankle injury.
Laimer has always provided his fair share of assists from central midfield, though added goals to his game last season. He bagged five strikes from midfield to showcase he’ll bring more than just tough tackling to United if he joins.
His relatively cheap price could appeal to United who may wind up needing two new midfielders. While he wouldn’t be the star arrival at Old Trafford, he’d certainly be a quality addition.
Stretford Reds 