Amadou Haidara insists he remains open to a future move to the Premier League – but refused to comment specifically on interest in him from Newcastle and Manchester United.
The RB Leipzig midfielder was quickly idenitifed as a priority transfer target for the Red Devils following Ralf Rangnick’s appointment. With the midfield outlined as an area of weakness, the German was looking to reunite with his former charge.
However, they were not alone in their pursuit for the Malian star. Indeed, Newcastle United were also credited with an interested with the midfielder as Eddie Howe looked to add more bite and energy to his midfield.
Ultimately, Haidara ended up staying put, with a report stating his unwillingness to depart mid-season did not go down well with Rangnick. As such, Rangnick and Co are reportedly ready to prioritise two other midfield signings first.
Haidara though – now back in Germany following the end of his AFCON adventure – is refusing to rule out a future move to England.
And speaking to Bild, he offered an interest response to questions about January approaches from the Prem pair.
“I can’t say much about that. I’m glad to be back. You hear rumours, that’s how it is when it’s the transfer period. But I still have a contract and I want to keep fulfilling it. I see no reason to think about a change,” he said.
“The English league is very interesting, many players want to prove their skills there. But I feel very comfortable here and I’m glad that I can develop further here. It’s clear that the English league is very interesting for all of us.
“But why should I throw this all away for something I might not be sure about? One wonders whether it’s worth it. Of course, I asked myself this question, but I don’t have an answer because I want to achieve my goals here with RB. That’s what I’m still working for.”
Amadou Haidara wasn’t ready to leave in January
The midfielder has a £33m exit clause in his contract so certainly looks an affordable option if either Man Utd or Newcastle pursue a move.
However, Leipzig chief Christopher Vivell claims the player had no interest in switching teams mid-season.
“It’s especially the case with the boys who are at the Africa Cup,” Leipzig’s technical director Vivell told Sky Germany, via the Daily Mirror.
“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.”
Haidara though has also previously outed himself as a Manchester United fan.
“Everyone had a favourite team as a kid. Mine was Manchester United,” he told Bild.
“I was a big fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, I liked Paul Scholes, Patrice Evra, Edwin van der Sar, Anderson.
“But if you want to talk to me about rumours: I’m at Leipzig and I feel good.”
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