Mourinho to add highly-rated Werner to attacking ranks?
Whilst all the focus is understandably on Manchester United’s upcoming mouth-watering clash with arch-rivals Liverpool this Saturday, rumours over potential summer signings continue to swirl around. Timo Werner has lit up the German Bundesliga for RB Leipzig since joining from Stuttgart two years ago and has found the back of the net an impressive 16 times in 33 appearances, this campaign. The German international’s form in front of goal has seen him attract the interest of a host of major European sides, with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool thought to be particularly interested in signing the forward. However, according to the Daily Mail, whilst Werner is keen on a move to England’s top flight, he would be prepared to turn down a move to Anfield in order to link up with Jose Mourinho’s men.
“Yes, playing in the Premier League is a dream for me,” Werner said. “I would like to play for two or three clubs, and Manchester United are one of those clubs. But probably not in the next few years – later, when my English is a little bit better! I’m very comfortable at RB Leipzig, though. “Manchester United and Liverpool were the teams I watched quite a lot in England. They were the two that I’m a little bit a fan of, because they have so much history. When I have to decide, I’m more Manchester United than Liverpool.”
In the past few weeks, following the signing of Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal, Mourinho has publicly spoken of his delight at the attacking options available to him and has no interest in adding to that department. However, should Werner continue to develop and find the back of the net with such regularity, it may simply be a matter of time until the 22-year-old becomes a serious transfer target for the Reds.
Watford’s Abdoulaye Doucoure attracting Reds interest
Whilst Werner might not be on United’s radar just yet, the Mirror has reported that Watford’s dynamic midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure certainly is, amid interest from the likes of London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham. It is believed that the Reds are looking to strengthen their midfield options during the summer months. Club captain Michael Carrick is widely expected to retire at the end of the campaign, whilst Belgium international Marouane Fellaini has been heavily linked with a move away from the club, with his contract set to expire in the summer. It is believed that Doucoure, who starred in the Hornets’ 1-0 victory West Bromwich Albion at the weekend, was being watched by United scouts, sent to monitor the midfielder’s progress. After joining from French outfit Rennes back in 2016, Doucoure has left his mark on the Premier League this campaign, scoring seven goals and coming up with three assists in his 28 top-flight appearances. The addition of the Frenchman would add further depth to Mourinho’s midfield and would provide ideal competition for places with the likes of fellow countryman Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Ander Herrera and academy graduate Scott McTominay. Should the 25-year-old keep up his fine form until the end of the campaign, an approach by Mourinho could very well be a possibility. The fact that Doucoure is acclimatised to the Premier League would also be a major asset, as the Frenchman would be no stranger to the vigours of the English top flight.