Christopher Nkunku set to commit RB Leipzig future but all is not lost for Manchester United

Manchester United have suffered a blow on the transfer front with the news Christopher Nkunku is reported to be closing in on a new deal with RB Leipzig.

Nkunku is known to be on Erik ten Hag’s wanted list as the new United boss looks to rebuild his squad. A host of players are heading for the exit door and the 24-year-old is seen as a more than suitable replacement. His versatility would be a huge bonus for the Reds.

He can operate as a midfielder but was pushed further forward last season. It resulted in him firing home 35 goals, bringing him to the attention of clubs all over the globe, including United.

Ten Hag is well aware United need to score more goals next season. Only Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes hit double figures. Nkunku has the potential to do the same and Ten Hag is interested in doing a deal.

However if the latest reports are to be believed this now looks unlikely. A report by Leipziger Volkszeitung suggests the player is ready to commit his future to RB Leipzig.

If true the news will come as a blow to United. They were looking to take advantage of his contract situation but an extension would scupper that. The Frenchman is currently under contract until the end of 2024.

Leipzig are keen to extend it and secure his future and Leipziger Volkszeitung say they have been successful. Nkunku has been offered a new deal with a significant pay rise and is ready to accept it.

It is also claimed via Fussball Transfers that a get-out clause will be included in the deal. It will allow him to leave in 2023 if a club matches the £50million valuation. That basically rules him out leaving this summer but the door will be open next year.

Christopher Nkunku praises PSG and Paris

Christopher Nkunku could leave RB Leipzig this summer and he praises PSG saying that Paris is his home

Nkunku recently said he was flattered to be linked with clubs like United. But at the same time he was impressed with the way Leipzig were fighting to keep him. It seems as though the Germans may have won the day.

Christopher Nkunku on hold for now

At least United will get a bit more time to see if the outlay would be worth it. They will now be able to see if last season was no flash in the pan.

If he can get near the 35 goals and 19 assists again then United are sure to be back in the hunt. And they would be willing to meet the release clause. There is no shortage of interest though with Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich also keen.

Until Nkunku’s new deal is confirmed, United will still hold out some hope. But it is more likely they will need to turn to other transfer targets. Of which there are plenty.

READ MORE: Man Utd timeline on Jude Bellingham transfer revealed, as two midfield deals are resigned to the scrap heap