RB Leipzig chief: 'Manchester United-linked Amadou Haidara did not want winter exit'

RB Leipzig chief Christopher Vivell has claimed that Amadou Haidara did not want to leave the Bundesliga club during the January transfer window.

The Mali international was allegedly identified as a possible transfer target for Manchester United by the English side's interim head coach Ralf Rangnick.

However, the winter market closed with the 24-year-old, who was also linked with a move to Newcastle United, still at Leipzig, where he has a contract until June 2025.

Vivell has claimed that Haidara - thought to have a £33m release clause in his deal this summer - was not interested in leaving his Bundesliga club in the middle of the campaign.

"It's especially the case with the boys who are at the Africa Cup. Amadou Haidara has been with us for a long time and he's an important player. I don't think he really wanted that, just to go somewhere else," Vivell told Sky Deutschland.

Haidara has been a key player for Leipzig this season, contributing three goals in 18 appearances in all competitions, with both of his strikes coming in the Bundesliga.