Manchester United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen duo Jeremie Frimpong and Edmond Tapsoba this summer.
Xabi Alonso's men have enjoyed a highly-productive campaign so far in the Bundesliga, ending Bayern Munich's 11-year possession of the German crown.
Leverkusen secured their first-ever top-flight title with a 5-0 win over Werder Bremen at BayArena on Sunday afternoon, when the hosts produced a five-goal performance.
A first-half penalty from Victor Boniface had Alonso's side ahead at the break before a hat-trick from Florian Wirtz and a strike from ex-Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka made sure of maximum points during the second period.
After 29 games of the Bundesliga campaign, the BayArena club remain unbeaten domestically and on the continent, where they will be hoping to lift the Europa League trophy at the end of the term.
© Reuters
Man Utd handed boost in pursuit of Leverkusen stars
Speaking to Spanish news outlet Diario AS, Bayer Leverkusen's chief executive Fernando Carro has given an insight into the club's upcoming transfer window, with his comments being of special interest to Manchester United.
"Every year we need to sell one big player to find budget for new signings, so probably we will sell one player. We are planning to sign two or three players with that amount of money," said Leverkusen chief Carro when questioned on the summer trading point.
Such comments will be music to the ears of Man United, who have an interest in both Frimpong and Tapsoba as the Red Devils look to improve their squad ahead of the 2024-25 term.
It is understood that Erik ten Hag's men were in the hunt for the services of Frimpong last summer, however the emergence of Aaron Wan-Bissaka back into the side halted United's pursuit of the Leverkusen man.
Centre-back Tapsoba has been a regular fixture for the Bundesliga champions since securing a permanent switch from Portuguese outfit Vitoria de Guimaraes during the January window of 2020.
© Reuters
Team effort with exceptional individuals
Despite title rivals Bayern Munich having world-renowned talents such as England international Harry Kane and German legend Manuel Neuer, Leverkusen have managed to sit 16 points ahead of Thomas Tuchel's men after 29 league matches.
Alonso has nurtured an excellent group mentality and style of play at the BayArena, but the individual performances of certain players cannot be underestimated.
Operating at wing-back this season, Man United-linked Frimpong has made the net ripple on eight occasions and provided seven assists for teammates in 27 Bundesliga fixtures.
In the centre of Leverkusen's backline, Burkina Faso international Tapsoba has formed a formidable partnership with fellow defenders Odilon Kossounou and Jonathan Tah.