Manchester United have “contacted” the agent of Girona winger Viktor Tsygankov, according to AS.
The Madrid-based publication claims that Erik ten Hag’s side could “shortly” make a formal bid for the Ukrainian international IF they get the approval of the player.
Aston Villa are also in the same position as United, with both trying to persuade Tsygankov that a move to their club would be the right one for him.
AS report that Arsenal were the first team that sounded out the 26-year-old, but it appears it will be a two-way fight for his signature.
There is a release clause in Tsygankov’s contract
The reason why neither United nor Villa have entered negotiations with Tsygankov’s club is because they both already know how much it will cost to sign him.
Either team can secure the winger‘s services if they trigger the €30m (£25m) buyout fee in his contract, which is not a figure that they would have trouble paying. It is, therefore, crucial to get the player onside.
Villa do have the added attraction of Champions League football but a lot could come down to which manager Tsygankov wants to play for. It is believed that both ten Hag and Unai Emery have made it clear to the Ukrainian that they want him to sign for their respective teams.
The writing could be on the wall for Antony at United
The fact that Tsygankov is a left-footed right winger would suggest he would be brought in to play ahead of Antony. The Brazilian international had an abysmal second season at Old Trafford, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists in 38 appearances.
For a player who cost £86m, that is simply not good enough. A departure from Old Trafford hasn’t been talked about too much but, if Tsygankov is brought in, he is unlikely to get much game time next season.
