Eli Junior Kroupi: Bournemouth star responds to Man United interest

Eli Junior Kroupi: Bournemouth star responds to Man United interest

Manchester United dispatched scouts to watch Eli Junior Kroupi in Bournemouth’s 2-1 win over Newcastle at the weekend as the prospect of a blockbuster switch to Old Trafford ramps up, according to the latest reports.

Eyed by Europe’s Elite

Kroupi has enjoyed a stellar debut campaign in English football after the Cherries struck a £10 million deal to sign the French starlet from Lorient. The 19-year-old forward, who is capable of playing right across the frontline, is the first teenager in over two decades to hit double figures in the Premier League.

However, it is his all-round play in combination with these predatory instincts in the box that have impressed, with Andoni Iraola trusting him to start as Bournemouth’s No.10 since Justin Kluivert’s serious knee injury in January. Naturally, the meteoric rise of an exciting youngster with goals, guile and guts in abundance has put a number of elite clubs across Europe, including the Red Devils, on red alert.

TEAMtalk reveals United scouts were at St James’ Park on Saturday to watch a host of targets, including Marcos Senesi, Marcus Tavernier and Alex Scott for the away side, while keeping tabs on Sandro Tonali, Lewis Hall and Bruno Guimaraes for the Magpies.

However, Kroupi was the “primary focus” of their mission, with interest in M16 quickly accelerating as the club considers upgrades for their misfiring Dutchman, Joshua Zirkzee.

“The 19-year-old has been closely tracked by United in recent weeks and has enjoyed a superb debut season in English football. Kroupi has already hit double figures for goals…[and] impressed with his versatility across the front line, although much of his football has come in a central role,” the report states.

“That profile is particularly appealing to Man Utd. We understand the club are targeting a versatile forward this summer, with a player expected to come in and potentially replace Joshua Zirkzee in the squad. Kroupi is seen as a strong fit for that role.”

Competition will be fierce for the France under-21 international, however, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool firmly in the mix, while Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig are also “keeping a close eye on his progress.”

Open to Old Trafford

Football Insider reveals Kroupi is “interested” in a switch to Old Trafford.

“Bournemouth know if the big clubs come calling, they’re going to find it really hard to keep hold of them. Some big clubs, the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool are all sitting up and taking notice of Kroupi,” the outlet reports.

“Bournemouth will be well aware of that growing interest in him. The player himself could be interested in a move away to be playing at the highest level possible.”

The Cherries are understood to have placed a £60m price tag on their prized asset’s head in a bid to stave off interest. They are also considering a contract extension in order to strengthen their negotiating position ahead of a difficult summer at the Vitality Stadium.

Final Thought – Iraola’s Exit

Iraola will leave at the end of the season after three brilliant years on the south coast. He is an option on United’s list to be the next permanent head coach, though Michael Carrick continues to be the frontrunner after a pivotal win over Chelsea.

The Spanish tactician is a major part of Bournemouth’s sales pitch to young talents, such as Kroupi, who hope to benefit from his outstanding coaching as a stepping stone towards a big club. Without his guiding hand, the 19-year-old forward may look to accelerate plans to leave this summer as well – a decision United are hoping to benefit from after receiving glowing reports from their scouts.

Featured image Stu Forster via Getty Images

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