Man Utd plotting fresh move to sign 'outstanding' playmaker praised by Guardiola

Manchester United are interested in signing RB Leipzig playmaker Dani Olmo - and they have already made a transfer approach for the player, according to reports.

Olmo, who is a Spanish international, featured prominently for his nation at the World Cup. He started all four of Spain's games, scoring and providing an assist in the 7-0 group stage win over Costa Rica.

At club level, the 24-year-old has three goals and three assists to his name in 15 appearances this season, including a goal in the 5-3 German Super Cup defeat to Bayern Munich earlier in the season.

The midfielder earned praise from Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann when he was in charge of Leipzig, who described Olmo as an 'outstanding footballer' following his move from Dinamo Zagreb in 2020.

And speaking in 2019, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola described him as a 'top player' with a 'bright future'.

The Spaniard has 18 months remaining on his Leipzig contract, and his skill on the ball, passing ability and versatility has made him one of the Bundesliga's top stars.

Now, United are said to be interested in signing him.

Man Utd keen on Dani Olmo

At the beginning of the January window, Spanish outlet Nacional (via Football365) claimed that United had made an offer to Olmo, alongside Bayern.

Barcelona reportedly agreed a deal to sign the midfielder in the summer, but it is claimed that a 'last-minute surprise' caused them to pull out of talks.

Now, speaking to GiveMeSport, transfer expert Christian Falk has revealed that United still possess a serious interest in signing Olmo: "Yeah, Manchester United are still watching him, of course. Leipzig are hopeful to get Olmo on a new contract. He didn't sign now, so they're getting a little bit nervous because he could want to change leagues."

With Donny van de Beek set to miss the rest of the season with a serious knee injury, United are in need of a midfielder as they look to achieve success in the second half of the Premier League season.

But Olmo has also featured in a false nine role for both Leipzig and Spain in the past, and could take up that role again if he were to move to Manchester.

Topics: Manchester United, Premier League, Transfers, Erik Ten Hag, Pep Guardiola

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.