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Manchester United, Bayern Munich 'among clubs interested in French centre-back'

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 20 May 2024

Man Utd, Bayern 'among clubs interested in French centre-back'

Manchester United and Bayern Munich are reportedly among a number of clubs interested in signing Red Bull Salzburg centre-back Oumar Solet.

The 24-year-old has developed into a key first-team player for Salzburg since joining the club from Lyon in 2020, making 106 appearances across all competitions.

Solet has won three Austrian Bundesliga titles and two Austrian Cup during his four-year spell with Salzburg, although they lost out to Sturm Graz in the top-flight title race this term.

The defender has gained both Champions League and Europa League experience with the Red Bulls, while he has also been capped twice by the France Under-20s squad.

Solet will soon be entering the final year of his contract and speculation over his future is beginning to surface amid interest from several European clubs.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag applauds the fans after the match on May 15, 2024 © Reuters

Man Utd, Bayern to battle for Solet

According to 90min, both Man United and Bayern Munich hold an interest in Solet ahead of the summer transfer window.

The report adds that Premier League trio Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United are also keeping tabs on the defender, as are clubs in the Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and Serie A.

Man United are expected to delve into the summer market for at least one central defender now that Raphael Varane has confirmed that he will be leaving Old Trafford when his contract expires in June.

Jonny Evans could also depart as his contract is up in the summer, while the futures of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are believed to be uncertain.

As for Bayern, Matthijs de Ligt, Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae and Eric Dier are their four senior centre-back options, the latter joined the club in January from Tottenham Hotspur.

Oumar Solet in action for Red Bull Salzburg in February 2022 © Reuters

Solet has a desire to play at highest level

Both Man United and Bayern have received a boost in their pursuit of Solet, as the defender confirmed earlier this season that he is keen to play at the highest level and particularly expressed his admiration for the Premier League.

Speaking to Goal about his dreams for the future, Solet said: "To play for the best teams in the world, of course. To be an example for young players.

"I just want to show my skills to the whole world. Since the youngest age, I've been a fan of the Premier League, but from now on, I am really open about every top league. I just want to play great games and be happy."

Solet is not the only Salzburg star that has been linked with an exit, as Oscar Gloukh has allegedly caught the eye of Arsenal, while Liverpool are believed to be one of several Premier League clubs monitoring Luka Sucic.