Who Is Alassane Plea? Four Things To Know About United’s Economical Alternative To Dembele

Manchester United’s interest in Borussia Monchengladbach striker Alassane Plea has resurfaced in recent days with reports in the English media suggesting the Red Devils are keen on the Frenchman.

We mentioned last month about a claim in a German newspaper that initially reported United’s pursuit of the 27-year-old, with his club said to be considering selling the player for a knockdown price.

Plea could, therefore, arguably be a more economical alternative to the likes of Lyon’s Moussa Dembele and Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho.

So, what do we know about the France international? Press the next page as we go through four interesting facts about the forward.

He came through Lyon’s academy, along with a current United player

Plea joined Lyon at the age of 16 but he was coming through the youth ranks at the same time as the likes of Anthony Martial, Alexandre Lacazette and Nabil Fekir.

It meant he was afforded very little game time, and he eventually departed to Nice for a nominal fee in 2014.

Plea struck up a successful partnership with Mario Balotelli

The Frenchman spent the best part of four years at Nice. Balotelli arrived from Liverpool on a free transfer in 2016 and the pair proceeded to develop a good understanding.

While the Italian played as a central striker, Plea was deployed on the left by manager Lucien Favre, and it was an integral part in the French club finishing third in the 2016/17 Ligue One season.

He can play in multiple positions

After moving to Gladbach in 2018, Plea has more often than not been used as a central striker. His ability to play right across the front three is likely to be one of the main reasons why United are interested in him.

The 27-year-old bagged 15 goals during his first season in Germany. He has only scored nine this campaign, though, although he is a creative outlet, having provided eight assists as well.

Plea could be available for just €24m (£21.4m)

The impact of the global health crisis means that Gladbach are believed to be willing to sell some of their top stars when the transfer window opens.

It means that despite paying €25m for Plea two years ago, the Bundesliga side are now said to be willing to sell him for almost the exact same amount.

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