Manchester derby: Man City, Man United 'battling for 26-goal Bundesliga star'

Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong is reportedly wanted by both Manchester City and Manchester United during next summer's transfer window, with the Dutchman widely expected to leave his German club.

There has recently been suggestions of interest from Liverpool in the 23-year-old, with Trent Alexander-Arnold's contract at Anfield due to expire at the end of the season.

Real Madrid are keen on Alexander-Arnold, but it is understood that the England international wants to sign a new deal at Anfield, with a departure looking unlikely at this stage of proceedings.

According to Fichajes, a move to the Premier League for Frimpong is still a serious possibility, though, as both Man City and Man United are interested in his signature.

Frimpong actually started his youth career at Man City, representing the club between 2010 and 2019, but he did not make the breakthrough into the first team, leaving for Celtic in 2019.

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Man City, Man United 'both interested in Frimpong'

The Dutchman managed three goals and eight assists in 51 appearances for Celtic before moving to Leverkusen in 2021, and he has had a hugely successful period with the German outfit.

Frimpong has managed 26 goals and 36 assists in 150 appearances for Leverkusen, including 14 goals and 12 assists in 47 appearances last season, as Xabi Alonso's side won a Bundesliga and German Cup double.

The right-sided wing-back has also been in strong form this term, managing one goal and four assists in eight appearances, and he has another four years left to run on his contract.

Leverkusen are believed to be willing to let him leave for the right price next summer, though, and it appears that he could be offered the chance to make the move to a powerhouse in the Premier League.

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Do Man City, Man United need a new right-back?

Man City are certainly in the market for a long-term replacement for Kyle Walker, with the Englishman's performances in the early stages of this season drawing criticism.

Man United, meanwhile, could be soon forced to replace Diogo Dalot, as Real Madrid are said to be keen on him, with Los Blancos switching their focus away from Alexander-Arnold.

Noussair Mazraoui is currently playing at right-back following his arrival from Bayern Munich over the summer, but Frimpong could be used further forward down the right due to his quality in the final third of the field.

Frimpong's arrival would also give Man City and Man United the ability to line up with wing-backs in certain matches, so it is not difficult to understand why he is wanted by the Manchester giants.