Manchester United are reportedly planning a huge raid on Borussia Dortmund star Julian Ryerson this summer. According to German news outlet Fussball Daten, the Red Devils rate the Norwegian international highly and consider him among top candidates for a potential move to Old Trafford.
Ryerson has truly come of age this season, making 16 assists in all competitions for Dortmund, including 13 in the Bundesliga. What makes his numbers more impressive is the fact that he's only a right-back, although he's also demonstrated immense versatility to shine in the wing-back position too.
It's his offensive qualities that is attracting interest from major clubs now, with Manchester United keen to strengthen their squad with an offensive wing-back like Ryerson in their ranks as the side edges closer to a Champions League return.
Having overseen a topsy-turvy run in the league under Ruben Amorin, the Red Devils appear to have anchored the sinking ship under Michael Carrick over the last three-and-a-half months, with the club climbing up from seventh place to third on the league table.
As the club looks forward to rebuilding, German news outlet Fussball Daten reports that Manchester United are planning to make an initial offer for Ryerson. The 29-year-old is valued at around €35-40 million by Dortmund.
The report states that as the Premier League giants are reinforcing their defense while looking to stabilize their full-back positions, Ryerson is seen as 'a key piece of the puzzle' for his innate qualities and dead-ball specialty.
Furthermore, leaked information suggests that United scouts have given him the highest rating ('A-grade') for his discipline, crossing ability and focus.
In Kovac's 3-4-3 system, the Norwegian international has the license to bomb forward at full pelt and deliver inch-perfect crosses for the forwards. But his secret weapon is corner kicks, having assisted several goals from that situation this season.
His tally of 13 league assists is bettered only by Bayern Munich's Michael Olise (20), Manchester United ace Bruno Fernandes (19), Inter Milan star Federico Dimarco (18), and another Bayern player, Luis Diaz (16) in Europe's top five leagues.
Dortmund manager Niko Kovac considers Ryerson an "indispensable pillar" in his system given his stellar contributions in their strong Bundesliga season while the club supporters want him to stay put too.
But Manchester United are not alone. Newcastle United are watching him too as they look to find a replacement for Keiran Trippier, who is set to leave the St. James' Park this summer, although their struggles and low standings mean the Red Devils remain a more likely destination.
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