World Cup star 'dreams of playing for Man Utd' as January plans made clearer

Borussia Monchengladbach star Marcus Thuram 'dreams' of playing for Manchester United and three other clubs, according to a new report.

Thuram has been linked with a number of Europe's top clubs over recent months, with his Gladbach contract due to expire in the summer.

The World Cup has only served to increase interest in acquiring his signature. Despite being restricted to playing cameo roles prior to the final, the France international was brought onto the pitch on 41 minutes by Didier Deschamps, and his display played a part in his nation turning the game around in normal time.

Last month, it was claimed that Inter Milan had offered the player a five-year contract, to begin upon the expiry of his current deal on July 1.

That is because the 25-year-old is reportedly likely to stay in Germany until the end of the season, ruling out a January transfer.

But, according to a new report, the plan may well have changed for the France international, who is also being tracked by United.

Marcus Thuram transfer plans 'revealed'

According to German outlet Bild (via Deadline Day Live), Thuram will only leave in January if Gladbach receive a bid from any of the four clubs that the forward 'dreams' of playing for.

United are included in this list, with the Red Devils searching the market for cheaper alternatives to that of Cody Gakpo, who joined Liverpool.

At a reported fee of around €15 million, given his contract situation, United could be in a position to swoop for his signature.

But they will likely face competition from Inter, who are also said to be on the list of Thuram's dream destinations. The other European giants on the list are Bayern Munich and PSG.

His father, Lilian, spent the first five years of his professional career in France, playing for Monaco, whilst his experience of Italian football saw him play at Parma and Juventus.

But he could also choose to remain in Germany should he join Bayern, who have sealed high-profile free transfer deals for the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Leon Goretzka from German clubs in recent years.

United, therefore, may need to act fast if they want to seal the signature of the striker, who has netted a superb 13 goals in 17 appearances for Gladbach in all competitions this season.