Manchester United are lining up a big-money bid for Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng, Football Express News understands.
A source close to Old Trafford told FEN the Red Devils’ manager-in-waiting, Louis van Gaal, has asked directors to pursue the Germany international, formerly of rivals City.
Veteran van Gaal officially takes over when his Holland side’s World Cup campaign comes to an end. Their involvement has been extended courtesy of last night’s dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Costa Rica in the quarter-finals after a 0-0 draw.
Boateng, who endured an injury-hit spell at City during the 2010-11 campaign before returning to his homeland with Bavarian giants Bayern, has gone on to establish himself as one of Europe’s leading centre-backs.
A deal cannot not be thrashed out until the 25-year-old’s participation in the tournament is over, as he is busy preparing for Tuesday’s semi-final showdown with host nation Brazil.
If Bayern decide to do business they are in a strong position to demand a hefty transfer fee, as the player still has four years left on his contract at the Allianz Arena.
They will also be fully aware of the fact that United are desperate to bolster the heart of their defence after seeing veteran duo Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand leave on free transfers at the end of last season.