Manchester United are reportedly preparing to go head-to-head with Arsenal for the services of Girona and Ukraine winger Viktor Tsygankov.
The 26-year-old was a fundamental cog in Michel's system last season as Girona unexpectedly finished in the top three of the La Liga table, thereby earning qualification for the 2024-25 Champions League.
Tsygankov directly contributed to 15 goals in 30 La Liga appearances for Girona last season - eight of his own and seven assists - and was called up to Ukraine's Euro 2024 squad as a result of his stellar displays.
The continental championships did not go to plan for Tsygankov, though, as he played just 63 minutes in Ukraine's opening loss to Romania in what was his only appearance, as his nation crashed out in the group stage.
Despite his disappointing Euros campaign, Tsygankov could still be the subject of Premier League offers this summer, and it has been reported that Arsenal have taken a liking to the former Dynamo Kiev attacker.
© Reuters
Man United, Aston Villa 'join race' for Tsygankov
However, Spanish outlet AS claims that Man United and Aston Villa are now 'stalking' Tsygankov and have formulated their transfer plans after making contact with the winger's representatives.
The report adds that neither side have approached Girona with an official bid yet, but he could be available for just €30m (£25.8m) thanks to a release clause in his contract with the Spanish upstarts, which expires in 2027.
Nevertheless, Girona are said to be calm about the situation, as Tsygankov has not told the powers-that-be that he wants to leave, and Michel has insisted that he must be kept unless an offer is submitted that is too good to turn away.
Playing in European competition is said to be a 'non-negotiable' for Tsygankov, who would have the chance to compete in the Champions League with all of Girona, Arsenal and Aston Villa while gunning for Europa League glory with Man United.
Both Erik ten Hag and Unai Emery are said to have made a personal effort to convince the Ukrainian to leave his current club, but Tsygankov has given Girona his word that he will not depart before pre-season begins.
© Imago
However, Girona received no response from the 26-year-old's entourage when they offered him a new contract back in January, but that will not prevent the club from trying to tie him down to a renewal in the coming weeks.
Tsygankov to replace Mason Greenwood at Man United?
Should Man United fend off their fellow Premier League sides to bring Tsygankov to the Theatre of Dreams, the 26-year-old could replace Mason Greenwood, who is on the chopping block following his successful Getafe loan.
The one-cap England international is believed to be at the centre of a two-team transfer tussle involving Marseille and Lazio, the former of whom are considered the favourites for his signature.
Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho made an unexpected return to first-team training earlier this week, having apparently held clear-the-air talks with Ten Hag following their public fallout last year.
Sancho's re-integration has led to suggestions that he could reignite his Red Devils career, but a permanent or loan exit in the coming weeks is still seen as the most likely outcome.
Ben Knapton
