Man Utd sent Kai Havertz warning by Bayer Leverkusen as scouts track new transfer target

Man Utd: Solskjaer remains upbeat after 1-1 draw

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Bayer Leverkusen’s Director of Sport Simon Rolfes has responded to our exclusive report that Manchester United are scouting defender Edmond Tapsoba. Express Sport revealed last week that the Red Devils had sent scouts to Germany to watch the 22-year-old after receiving a tip-off from a well-respected figure, who feels the Burkina Faso international could be the answer to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s centre-back conundrum.

Now Rolfes has issued a hands-off warning to United, claiming it would take a similar “immoral” offer to the one they received from Chelsea for Kai Havertz (£72million) last summer to let their star man go.

Leverkusen are reaping the rewards of their impressive recruitment drive, which is set to see them overturn mega-profits in the near future.

Tapsoba, who arrived from Vitoria Guimaraes in January 2020 for an initial £15.5million, is now believed to be worth around quadruple that figure.

He needed no time to adapt to the Bundesliga following his move from Portugal and was watched by both Leicester and Wolves after the restart last season.

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Now United’s scouts have been putting his performances under the microscope, as they continue the search for a new centre-back to partner Harry Maguire as Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly continue to fight to fully convince Solskjaer of their credentials.

Leverkusen recently tied up both Tapsoba and Leon Bailey to new contracts, with the former’s new deal set to run until 2026.

His previous contract contained a £44million release clause but it’s highly likely that the figure has now been raised in a bid to scare off potential suitors.

Now club chief Rolfes, a former German international midfielder, has made it clear that it would take huge money to entice them into a sale.

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“I am not surprised that Eddy’s quality arouses interest,” Rolfes told BILD. “But the player is not for sale.”

He then made the reference to Havertz’s exit, stating that it would take an “immoral” offer to see Leverkusen change their stance.

Chelsea paid an initial £72m and the deal could still rise to £90m with potential add-ons.

United are also said to be interested in Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey, who is also on Tottenham and AC Milan’s radar.

The Red Devils are looking to add both a centre-back and wide attacker to their ranks when the summer transfer window opens.

Anthony Martial limped off in last night’s 1-1 draw with AC Milan in the Europa League and United are now light in the attacking department.

Edinson Cavani’s father Luis also revealed earlier this week that his son was looking to return to South America, although United claim no decision has been made on his future yet.

While Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood can all play through the middle, it now seems a certainty that Solskjaer will add more firepower to his frontline before the start of next season.

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