Manchester United have allegedly been handed a blow with regards to their interest in Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel.
Last summer, United made the decision to spend big money to win the race for Rasmus Hojlund, with the Danish youngster since proving to be a shrewd addition to Erik ten Hag's squad.
However, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe at the head of footballing operations, there is a desire to bring in more competition for the former Atalanta BC man at a time when Anthony Martial is expected to leave on a free transfer.
Ten Hag recently acknowledged that he would have like to have signed a new frontman in January, stating that the club's FFP position prevented him from doing so.
Such issues will remain for the summer transfer window, United reportedly contemplating the sales of as many as 11 players in order to generate significant funds for fresh faces.
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Tel is a name that has been widely mentioned as a player who could be targeted by United courtesy of his lack of starts for Bayern since his arrival.
Although the 18-year-old has been provided with 57 appearances in all competitions, just one start has been made in the Bundesliga and a further five in other tournaments.
There is said to be concerns on the part of Tel and his representatives that his development into a world-class frontman could be impacted, with Harry Kane the clear first-choice at the Allianz Arena.
That said, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, positive talks have since been held between agent Gadiri Camara and Bayern director Christoph Freund.
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Romano says that Bayern have indicated to Camara that they have no plans to part ways with the teenager and see him as an important part of their future project.
Tel is currently plying his trade for a manager in Thomas Tuchel who will leave the club at the end of the season, it currently unclear who will replace him at the helm.
Bayern are said to be open to agreeing a new contract with Tel in a bid to show their commitment to him, despite his current deal lasting until 2027.
Despite making only one start and 25 substitute outings in Bundesliga and Champions League fixtures during 2023-24, Tel still has five goals and four assists from 526 minutes of football.
Darren Plant
