United prepare Sessegnon swoop
Reports in England claim that Manchester United are preparing a swoop for Fulham defender Ryan Sessegnon, as Luke Shaw edges closer and closer to the exit door at Old Trafford.
English publication 'The Guardian' reports that United are planning a £25m move for the 17-year-old, with the club prepared to sell Shaw in order to make room in their squad.
Sessegnon has established himself as one of the most highly-rated young players in the country of late and is already a regular starter for Fulham in the Championship despite his tender years.
The youngster already has over 50 games as a pro under his belt and has started all 22 of Fulham Championship games so far this season.
Sessegnon is a versatile left-sided player, capable of playing either at left wing or left-back.
United's scouts are thought to have had their eye on the youngster for some time, though there is also thought to be rival interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid and Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who had a bid of around £20m (including add-ons) rejected during the summer.
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic is keen to keep the player at Craven Cottage for the time being, but knows he may not be able to fight off a mega-money bid.
“In this moment, I am not thinking of being without him for the season, but it is not under my control,” he said.
“All the questions are what the value of this player is, but myself, as a coach, I prefer to stay with the more important players for the competition that is ahead of us, but on the other side I can understand the business side too. If we want to be competitive we must keep our important players.”
Spurs' interest in the player could complicated United's move, though they could come to some sort of arrangement regarding Shaw, who is known to be of interest to former boss Mauricio Pochettino.