Man Utd handed boost as club now ready to sell Belgian sensation | OneFootball

Manchester United have been following midfielder Mandela Keita for a while, and Royal Antwerp are now willing to sell him this summer, according to Belgian outlet Gazet van Antwerpen.

The Red Devils have been scouting the 22-year-old since March and have already contacted his agent, Ediz Unal, to obtain information.

They have been handed a transfer boost as they can now sign him if they follow up their interest with a solid bid.

Keita is also on the radar of Leeds United, Blackburn Rovers, Norwich City, Nottingham Forest and Southampton. The Saints have already tabled a bid.

However, it has been rejected as Antwerp want a sizeable offer before they can consider selling one of their best players.

It could present Man United with an opportunity to go after the one-cap Belgium international as manager Erik ten Hag wants to add a defensive midfielder to his ranks before the summer transfer window closes.

The Red Devils have Paris Saint-Germain star Manuel Ugarte on their radar, but getting a deal done for him has proven tricky. His agent Jorge Mendes has flown into England to sort things out.

Burnley midfielder Sander Berge is also being monitored, while Nottingham Forest star Danilo has emerged as an option.

The Old Trafford club could end up considering a cheaper option if the fee being quoted for them to land their top targets is too high, and Keita could be perfect if things come to that.

He has proven his quality in the Belgian top-flight, with 100 appearances to his name.

While he is not the sort of marquee signing the fans are anticipating, he has the potential to become a world-class player and establish himself as a regular for his national team.