Manchester United transfer target Lois Openda says he doesn’t expect to leave RB Leipzig anytime soon.
The Belgian international made the move to Germany from Lens for £33m last summer and, when asked whether he would consider another transfer so soon, he replied:
“I have signed a contract for five years. I am good here. I am focused for this season because it is important for my development and we will have next season [here] because it is really important for me. I don’t want to say anything about leaving. I feel really good here.”
It was reported last month that United were interested in the striker, who has scored 15 goals in 26 appearances for Leipzig.
Other teams, including Barcelona, Arsenal and Liverpool are also said to be keeping tabs on Openda’s progress.
A release clause could help United bring Openda to Old Trafford
Despite Openda’s stance, though, it must be pointed out that RB Leipzig are very much a selling club. Most of their players have buyout clauses and the Belgian is no different.
It is believed that the forward can be signed for £70m, which could be seen as a decent price, considering both his form and the fact that he is still only 23 years of age.
United are keen on recruiting a striker
With Anthony Martial struggling with fitness problems, the club are putting an awful lot of pressure on Rasmus Hojlund to score goals. It has led the club’s recruitment team to search for a new forward who can be brought in this month.
As the transfer budget is rather tight, though, a move for Openda is deemed unrealistic. Cheaper solutions are being considered, with the likes of Bayern Munich’s Eric Choupo-Moting, Borussia Dortmund’s Donyell Malen and Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy having been looked at by the Red Devils.