Eli Junior Kroupi: Man United told Bournemouth’s price for French starlet

“Bournemouth are understood to be aware of the growing interest in the 19-year-old and have stuck a prohibitive £60m (€69m, $81m) price tag on him in an effort to dissuade suitors.

“Furthermore, TEAMtalk sources also exclusively revealed back in February that the Cherries, having been impressed by the player’s rapid impact and wary of the fact that interest in his services is beginning to mount, were already preparing a big-money pay rise to reflect his growing importance to their side.”

It is a common tactic for Bournemouth to look to lock down their prized assets on new deals with increased wages, while privately agreeing on an exit fee should a top club make an approach. The sale of Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City in January for £65m was a prime example of this, while Real Madrid’s £50m capture of Dean Huijsen last summer is another.

Therefore, if Kroupi were to extend his current deal, it would not rule out the chance he could be a Red Devil next summer; it would just mean Bournemouth are secure in their position to ask for a big-money fee in order for it to happen.

Final Thoughts

Kroupi ticks a lot of the boxes – young, versatile, low wages and Premier League proven – INEOS have made a recruitment focus since taking the helm at Old Trafford. United are also in need of a more reliable supporting act to Benjamin Sesko, given Joshua Zirkzee‘s struggles mean the Dutchman will almost certainly leave at the end of the season.

However, the urgent priority is an overhaul of the midfield, with the club’s primary targets all expected to cost the best part of £100m to secure. From this perspective, a back-up forward for £60m may not be possible, even if the talent on offer justifies every penny of it.

Featured image Stu Forster via Getty Images

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