Manchester United and Chelsea have inquired about signing Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, according to German Heaven.
United’s need for a midfielder has increased after Christian Eriksen is out with an injury until at least April. Chelsea are making a move for Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez but that deal has yet to be approved.
Bayern are ready to let Sabitzer leave on loan and their sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic is on the phone to both Premier League clubs.
Sabitzer joined Bayern Munich from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021
United are waiting for Bayern to decide if they will do business – despite the Manchester Evening News United are expressing ‘confidence’ they can complete a deal before the deadline.
United’s interest is a loan and could work for Bayern as Sabitzer has two-and-a-half years left on his contract.
The fact that United and Bayern are in other European competitions and are not direct competitors can be a major factor in any possible action.
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Sabitzer is attracting interest from Manchester United and Chelsea – watch his only goal for Bayern Munich this season
Austria international Sabitzer joined Bayern from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021 but has started just seven games in the Bundesliga so far.
Mostly a midfielder, the 28-year-old has played as a central defender, attacking midfielder, midfielder and winger throughout his career.
Merse: Sabitzer is not in the Bayern team – panic!
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Paul Merson is not convinced that Sabitzer is the right player for Manchester United and Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Paul Merson speaking on Deadline:
“Marcel Sabitzer is not in the Bayern Munich team. I know they have two in midfield but if he’s good he’ll be strong. It’s back to worry. January 1.
“Chelsea are trying to get Enzo Fernandez over the line and Christian Eriksen is injured at Man United. It’s a concern. You’re buying second Bayern Munich players.
“This kid wasn’t on the radar before. He never got into the Bayern team – nowhere near their first team. You have to ask ‘will he make us better?’ I don’t understand.”
Watch from Germany: Sabitzer has power, but can he replace Eriksen?
Sky Germany’s Uli Kohler at Bayern Munich’s training ground:
“After Eriksen, he has big legs, but he can try his best. Because you can’t replace Eriksen in one.
“He is a player with potential. He is very important for the Austrian team. He was the most important player when he played in Leipzig, also in the Champions League several times and Sabitzer one of the main players.
“To be honest, he can help. But replace Eriksen, it’s waiting to be seen.”
Ten Hag: We will forget how good Eriksen is
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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag discussed a possible replacement for Christian Eriksen in midfield after the Denmark international was ruled out until at least April due to injury.
Eriksen left Old Trafford as a substitute after being sent off in Saturday’s FA Cup win over Reading and is expected to miss out on much of United’s run.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of United’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg with Nottingham Forest, Erik ten Hag outlined the options to cover Eriksen’s departure – but admitted that It is difficult to change the quality of the Dane in the attack areas.
“He was disappointed and we were disappointed, but that’s in high-level football. You have to deal with it,” said the United manager.
“We have players in midfield, good players, they can fill the space. Each player has their own characteristics and their style. Eriksen takes the position high in our group and some aspects are difficult to change, like his behavior in the last third.”
Chelsea close to PL-record £105m Fernandez deal
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Dharmesh Sheth and Kaveh Solhekol explain the latest on Chelsea’s pursuit of Enzo Fernandez as the London club look to break the English transfer fee record.
Chelsea are close to agreeing a deal for Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez after making a £105.6m purchase – the same value as the midfielder’s release clause.
Todd Boehly’s Blues want to plan a release clause, while paying the one-way fee has Financial Fair Play and tax implications.
Chelsea have been in talks to sign World Cup winners Argentina this month but Benfica have refused to do business unless the Blues pay €120m (£105.6m).
The midfielder has once again told Benfica that he wants to join Chelsea. If Fernandez moves to Stamford Bridge, he will surpass the £100m Manchester City paid for Jack Grealish from Aston Villa 18 months ago, making him the Premier League’s biggest signing League.
Follow the January transfer window with Sky Sports
Who’s moving this winter? The January transfer window closes on 11pm in England and midnight in Scotland at Tuesday January 31, 2023.
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