Manchester United are preparing to rival Real Madrid for the transfer of Rennes teenager Eduardo Camavinga and have lined the youngster up as a potential replacement for Paul Pogba.
Pogba’s Manchester United future was questioned for large parts of the 2019/20 campaign, with his Old Trafford contract expiring in 2021 – although this does have an option of a further year.
The midfielder shook off his niggling injury concerns and returned to the side to help United secure Champions League football following project restart, and although he recently reinforced his commitment to the club, the French international simultaneously admitted that it would be ‘a dream’ to play for Real Madrid one day.
According to Spanish news outlet AS (via Sport Witness), United are preparing for life after Pogba should the 27-year-old opt to leave the club for the Bernabeu by putting the ‘mechanism’ in place to sign Camavinga from Rennes.
The 17-year-old was a target of Real Madrid’s during the 2020 transfer window, with Zinedine Zidane placing his compatriot high up on his wish list.
The Spanish champions are said to have made contact regarding a deal for Camavinga, put the coronavirus pandemic put pay to any potential move.
The report states that United now ‘pose a great threat’ to Madrid’s pursuit of the France international.
Camavinga could be available for a reasonable price in the summer after he rejected the opportunity to renew his contract with Rennes.
His deal with the Ligue 1 outfit expires in 2022, meaning the 2021 summer transfer window could be their final opportunity to cash in on the youngster.
Despite not yet celebrating his 18th birthday, the midfielder has already made two senior international appearances for France. Incidentally, it was Pogba who Camavinga replaced in the France squad when he received his maiden call up in August 2020 after the United midfielder tested positive for coronavirus.