Man Utd suffer key blow in race for €15m defender as selling club stance revealed

Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their reported pursuit of Borussia Dortmund right-back Thomas Meunier, according to new claims.

The Red Devils are on the lookout for a right-back to provide competition for Diogo Dalot, who has played every Premier League game he has been available for this season.

Dalot has stepped up throughout the injury absence of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and has firmly established himself as first choice in the position.

Fabrizio Romano claimed earlier this week that United plan to sell Wan-Bissaka and sign a new backup right-back in 2023.

In addition, the Red Devils also want to extend Dalot's contract. The Portugal international's current deal expires this summer, and he has been linked with moves to Real Madrid, Barcelona and AC Milan.

As far as new additions go, United are said to be interested in Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong, as per Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenburg.

Their links to Meunier, meanwhile, date back to the summer, and have now re-emerged as the January transfer window looms closer.

But any potential plans to sign the Belgium international in January appear to have been dealt a major blow.

Borussia Dortmund set out Meunier stance amid Man Utd interest

Barcelona have also been credited with an interest in Meunier as they look to add a right-back to their squad, and Spanish outlet Sport has spelt out Dortmund's stance.

They say that the German club are refusing to let the 31-year-old leave in January, which will come as a blow to interested clubs.

If United do sell Wan-Bissaka in January, it means they will have to look elsewhere. It was claimed that Meunier was reportedly valued at €15m by Dortmund in the summer, which would have been an affordable price to pay for one of Europe's top full-backs when fully fit.

However, Sport claim that Dortmund may open the door for the player's departure next summer, with his contract at Signal Iduna Park expiring in 2024.

Mundo Deportivo have claimed that Meunier would be willing to listen to an offer from United for his services, if Barcelona do not sign him, and that the English club are monitoring his situation.

If Erik ten Hag decides he is the Red Devils' number one target, they could still complete a deal at the end of the season.