Manchester United are set to enter the race to sign Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens but face a battle to sign the English winger. Gittens, 20, has earned rave reviews in Germany this season, having made 26 club appearances and scored 11 goals.
It follows him playing in the Champions League final for the club at Wembley last season, coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid.
The player is contracted with Dortmund until the summer of 2028, but his form has seen him linked to a host of Europe’s other top clubs.
And according to Sky Sports Germany, United are ‘seriously interested’ in bringing the under-21 international to Old Trafford. One current winger at the club, Antony, is set to be sold in the summer, while Jadon Sancho is out on loan at Chelsea and not expected to return to Manchester.
Alejandro Garnacho may also be on the verge of a switch to Napoli, having failed to settle under Ruben Amorim. And Gittens would appear the ideal replacement if the Argentine international does head to Serie A.
But Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich could well thwart United’s plans. The Bundesliga leaders have reportedly already held talks with the player’s representatives, with a view to a bid at the end of the season.
The future of Gittens is said to be heavily dependent on whether Dortmund qualify for the Champions League next season. Right now that looks doubtful with the club lying 10th in the table.
And his desire to play in Europe’s elite competition could also be a body blow to United. Despite their improved form and a 3-1 win over Southampton on Thursday, the Red Devils are 12th in the Premier League and 12 points off the top four.
Gittens, who has also been linked with Tottenham and Chelsea, joined Reading as a youngster in 2013, moving to Manchester City two years later. He spent two years at the Etihad before moving to Dortmund at the age of 15.
It wasn’t until 2022 that he signed a senior contract with the club, and his first campaign in Germany was plagued by injury problems. However, the 2023/24 season proved a breakthrough one, playing 34 times in all competitions.
And he’s now being credited for adding a clinical side to his game in front of goal. Prior to the current season, he’d scored just five times in 58 games for Dortmund but he has more than doubled that tally since.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk