Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has told the club to sign a new right-back and wants Tariq Lamptey, though they are some way short of Brighton’s valuation.
Since the German took over at Old Trafford, Aaron Wan-Bissaka – who has often been criticised for his lack of attacking output – has no longer been United’s undisputed first-choice right-back.
Rangnick has started Diogo Dalot more frequently, though it appears neither player is considered a long-term solution at United.
According to the Daily Mail, the Portuguese star is considered defensively vulnerable at a time when Rangnick is trying to add solidity in defense, while there are worries Wan-Bissaka is not good enough going forward.
As such, the Red devils are now ramping up their interest in Lamptey with Rangnick believing an upgrade at right-back should be one of their top priorities.
The former Chelsea star has established himself as one of the most exciting young defenders in Europe after leaving Stamford Bridge.
He only has one assist in his 13 matches in all competitions this campaign, though he has been a threatening, adventurous, huge presence down the right flank for Brighton.
United value the 21-year-old, who moved to the club for a cut-price fee in January 2020, at around £30m, but that still falls short of Brighton’s valuation.
The south-coast club would expect to receive in the region of £40m, particularly with Wan-Bissaka having joined United for £50m and Ben Chilwell costing the same when he moved from Leicester City to Chelsea.
A number of other Premier League teams have also been looking at Lamptey, but clubs like Tottenham and Arsenal were put off by Brighton’s huge valuation.
Spurs are in the market for a new right-back this month and Antonio Conte is looking to sign Wolves star Adama Traore in a £20m deal and convert him into a wing-back.
