Man Utd ‘seriously interested’ in Barcelona target as transfer bidding war ‘heats up’

Manchester United are plotting a move to sign Borussia Dortmund star Julian Ryerson ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports in Germany.

Ryerson is enjoying an outstanding season at Dortmund this term, with only Michael Olise (16) providing more assists than the 28-year-old (11) in the Bundesliga after 22 matches.

The Norway international joined BVB from Union Berlin back in January 2023 and has made 130 appearances in all competitions for the club in that time, proving an invaluable addition with his level of consistency and versatility.

However, there is mounting speculation that this season could be Ryerson’s last at Westfalenstadion, with top teams from across Europe beginning to form a queue for the right-back.

According to German publication Bild, Ryerson is ‘becoming more and more sought after’ with every passing game and is now considered one of the ‘hottest names in the European transfer market’.

Barcelona have been keeping close tabs on Ryerson for some time and view the Norwegian as a possible alternative to Jules Kounde at right-back.

But the Spanish champions are far from alone in expressing an interest in Ryerson, with two Premier League giants joining the race for the wing-back, who is also comfortable playing at centre-half.

Manchester United and Newcastle are both understood to be scouring the market for possible reinforcements at full-back and have grown ‘seriously interested’ in Ryerson.

It’s claimed the English duo may even have an advantage over other potential suitors given the ‘Premier League has an extremely high standing’ among Scandinavian players.

United are said to be on the hunt for a more attack-minded right-back to compete with Diogo Dalot next season, with Noussair Mazraoui still yet to manage a single goal or assist in the league this term.

The report adds that Ryerson’s profile as an offensively strong and versatile option makes him an extremely ‘attractive’ proposition to the likes of United and Newcastle.

Ryerson’s market value is thought to be in the region of €20million (£17.5m), which would be an extremely manageable transfer fee for the likes of United and Newcastle.

After tying Ryerson down with a new contract in October 2024, Dortmund are in no rush to cash in on the defender. However, with the bidding war ‘heating up’, there is also an acceptance that the player represents a possible source of funds for the Bundesliga club.

Ryerson’s current deal with BVB runs through to June 2028.

Tonight, Ryerson will be hoping to continue his magnificent run of form in the Champions League, with Dortmund in action in the first leg of their play-off with Atalanta.

Facing the media on the eve of the clash, the ex-Union Berlin star spoke about his ‘good numbers’ this season – but underlined how there was always room for improvement in his game.

‘I think it’s been an improvement from my side to be honest,’ Ryerson told reporters while sat alongside Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac.

‘Over the last couple of seasons, I felt a little bit unlucky with the amount of assists and chances, but this season it’s been good numbers.

‘It’s something I try to improve in my game. I can always improve myself and this is one area that I’m still trying to improve.’

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