Manchester United have joined the race to sign highly-rated Girona star Viktor Tsygankov with Tottenham and Aston Villa reportedly tracking him.
Tsygankov, 26, enjoyed a terrific season last term in Spain by helping Girona qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history. Blanquivermells finished behind Barcelona and Real Madrid last term but were once top of the La Liga table.
The Ukraine international, who is a left-footed right winger, scored eight goals and assisted a further seven last term. For many, more specifically lovers of video game Football Manager, Tsygankov has seemed to be around for years.
READ MORE: £29m asking price, wild card and Malacia mystery – Man United transfer verdict on left-back issue
READ MORE: Manchester United make ‘contact’ for £25m transfer bargain as third striker targeted
He made a name for himself at Dynamo Kiev before being signed by the City Football Group – the parent company of Manchester City. Since then, his stock has only increased with a number of clubs showing interest.
Earlier in the window, it was reported that Arsenal had made an approach to sign him this summer. The same publication, AS, have now claimed that United are in talks with the players entourage and Erik ten Hag has gone a step further by reportedly making contact with the winger himself.
Tsygankov reportedly has a £25m release clause at Girona meaning United would not have to break the bank to add his services. There is also the possibility of implementing the same strategy they used with Joshua Zirkzee of paying slightly over his release clause to amortise the payment over the duration of his contract.
United will have to act fast if they are to beat the competition to land Tsygankov. Fortunately for them, their recent work with Girona could work in their favour in getting a deal over the line.
Donny van de Beek recently moved to the La Liga side for a deal that could rise to €4.5m (£3.8m). A €450,000 (£380,000) fee was paid up front from Girona with additional bonuses performance-related. The deal was only completed last week
The midfielder’s exit was only completed recently but it means United hold a positive relationship with Tsygankov’s club which could work in their favour.