Manchester United initiate contacts for Stade Rennais wonderkid Désiré Doué | OneFootball

Manchester United have reportedly established contact to explore the possibility of signing Stade Rennais midfield prospect Desire Doue.

It’s understood that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are keen on building their new-look United around a core of young and highly talented players with the potential to become world-class superstars. Doue certainly fits this profile.

In the just-concluded Ligue 1 season, the 18-year-old made 31 appearances for Rennes and managed an impressive four goals and five assists.

One of the main things that makes Doue an attractive proposition for United is his versatility. He can be deployed to great effect not only in the middle of the park but also in both wings.

He boasts of elegant technique and an incredible athletic physique for one so young and still yet to hit the height of their powers.

Doue leads Rennes in successful dribbles per game (averaging 2.1) and is also the most fouled player in the squad. He has also completed 64 dribbles, which is the fifth-most in France’s top flight and just one behind Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele.

A previous report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United are keen on securing Doue’s services.

The Red Devils are not the only club keen on adding him to their ranks as Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also admirers of the youngster.

It was subsequently relayed that Rennes, who failed to qualify for Europe for the first time in seven years, know they may be forced to cash in on the teenager but they will demand a club-record fee to part ways with him.

It’s believed that a figure of €70m could get a deal for the player over the line.

Sports Zone (via CaughtOffside) now report that Doue wants to leave Rennes in search of pastures anew as United and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal circle around him.

Bayern and Bayer Leverkusen are the clubs most interested in him but interestingly, United and Arsenal are the ones mentioned to have initiated contacts to land him.

Both Premier League clubs see Doue as a long-term investment and someone who could be nurtured to become a key player for years to come.

Rennes boss Julien Stephan opened up on the mounting interest in Doue on Sunday and said, “We know today’s market, notably for the very young players. He will decide through his personal ambition. I’m not naive. We’re glad to have developed him during the second part of the season. He’s at risk of leaving without a single full season here, that’s a shame. I would have liked that; that would have been an ideal situation.”

Doue’s teammate Baptiste Santamaria was also asked about him and remarked, “He’s a very talented player with a great sense of football. He’s still young but he’s a player who aspires to go to the biggest clubs. He’s one of a kind: he likes to hit the ball but he’s solid on his feet. Desire’s technical, percussive and physical qualities are quite incredible.”

“When he becomes more consistent, he’ll be unplayable. For his age, he’s the most gifted youngster I’ve seen in my career.”

It’s certainly high praise for Doue. United must do all they can to ensure they’re pipped to his signature.

Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.