On-loan Tottenham Hotspur attacker Mathys Tel reportedly still harbours aspirations of joining Manchester United from Bayern Munich at the end of the season.
The 19-year-old was the subject of an intense transfer battle between Spurs and Man United during the last knocking of the January transfer window, but negotiations ultimately broke down with the Red Devils.
Man United reportedly ended their interest in signing Tel when Bayern requested a £5m loan fee, allowing Tottenham to swoop in and sign the 19-year-old on loan with an option to buy.
Ange Postecoglou's side pulled off a marquee move for Tel despite claims that he turned the club down at first - which Postecoglou has stressed was not the case - and the Lilywhites also have the option to make his stay permanent for a reported £45m.
The former Rennes starlet made his Tottenham debut off the bench in Thursday's 4-0 EFL Cup semi-final loss to Liverpool, and he is now expected to make his first start for his new club in Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round tie with Aston Villa.
Tel 'still interested' in Man United transfer
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While Tottenham hold all the cards regarding Tel's future thanks to their buy option, Christian Falk - via The Sun - claims that the youngster is still open to joining Man United this summer.
However, if the Red Devils wish to hijack Tottenham's proposed permanent move for Tel, they will allegedly have to fork out as much as £50m for the 19-year-old, £5m more than Spurs' buy option.
Tel remains under contract at the Allianz Arena for another four-and-a-half years, but the 19-year-old has so far struggled for regular starts over the likes of Harry Kane, Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry, Kingsley Coman, Michael Olise and Jamal Musiala.
The France Under-21 international has registered 16 goals and seven assists in 83 appearances for the Bavarian giants across all tournaments, winning one Bundesliga title in his first season at the Allianz Arena.
Could Tel be Man United's perfect Marcus Rashford replacement?
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While more than capable of doing a job up front, Tel is equally comfortable on the left-hand side, where he has become renowned for his intelligent movement and ability to generate numerous shots.
The 19-year-old therefore appears to be a ready-made replacement for Marcus Rashford at Manchester United, as the on-loan Aston Villa man is expected to have played his final game for the Red Devils.
Rashford's relationship with Ruben Amorim was said to have broken down completely before he joined Unai Emery's side, although Alejandro Garnacho has enjoyed a revival since initially being axed from the squad under the Portuguese.
Garnacho was credited with changing the game in Friday's 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round win over Leicester City, having previously been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea during the January window.
As well as stepping into Rashford's shoes, Tel might also have to shoulder more of the attacking burden in the number nine spot, as Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have just 12 goals between them this season.
Ben Knapton
