Manchester United and Newcastle don hold talks with representatives of Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson, as the race for the gifted young midfielder dey hot up, FootballTransfers don hear.
Sources close to the player reveal to FootballTransfers say initial contact don happen from both Premier League clubs as dem dey assess possible move for the 22-year-old Sweden international, who dey open to leave the Bundesliga side.
Neither of the Premier League clubs don make official bid for Larsson, who don become one of the standout midfielders for Germany since im €9 million move from Malmo in 2023.
Man Utd don already sign Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to strengthen their midfield this summer, but the Red Devils dey hope to add third player to Michael Carrick’s options for the heart of the park.
However, e dey widely expected say the next arrival go be a marquee figure wey fit elevate the level of the team to become Premier League title challengers, although, despite Larsson’s potential, e no dey fall into such bracket yet.
Newcastle’s interest also carry added significance. The Magpies dey still fight to retain Bruno Guimaraes, wey Arsenal want. But dem dey prepare for every eventuality.
Should the Brazil star depart, Larsson dey seen as somebody wey fit plug the gap, thanks to im energy, athleticism and all-action style.
Eddie Howe’s side don also miss out on plenty top transfer targets to their rivals for the last 12 months, the latest na midfielder Johan Manzambi, wey dey expected to join Aston Villa from Freiburg, and the Geordies dey determined not to let Larsson become the latest player to slip through their grasp.
Any deal go need to agree through Frankfurt, wey dey for strong negotiating position because their player remain under contract until 2029.
While talks don hold with Larsson’s representatives, neither of the Premier League sides don take the step of making official offer for am.
Bundesliga expert Tom Weber, wey insist say the problems no necessarily be the youngster’s own making. “Larsson dey plan to take the next step for im career this summer,” Weber tell FootballTransfers. “However, e dey look increasingly unlikely say Frankfurt go get the desired fee for the youngster. E simply no don justify im price tag this season.
“E important to note, though, say e no be all im fault. On the contrary, e don be a hugely difficult season for Frankfurt, wey sack Dino Toppmoller for January and replace am with Albert Riera.
“Larsson na box-to-box midfielder, but im dey at im best when im get more defensive-minded player next to or behind am. For past seasons, Ellyes Skhiri’s impressive form don previously allow the Swede to interpret im role freely and to cheat small for defensive responsibilities. But Skhiri, wey now dey aged 31, don get very difficult season. E seem say im don lose a step and perhaps small focus, and Frankfurt no really get anybody else like am for the squad. This don get destabilising effect on the team and on Larsson.
“Despite everything, given im impressive potential, signing Larsson fit be gamble wey worth taking.”
