Sky: Imminent managerial change to cost Man Utd the chance to sign world-class star | OneFootball

Manchester United are one of the main suitors in the race for Jonathan Tah, but Real Madrid could be handed a head start.

The German defender has been a stalwart for Bayer Leverkusen since making the move from Hamburg in 2015. However, his collaboration with the Bundesliga champions is coming to an end after 10 memorable years.

The 29-year-old refused to sign a new contract with Leverkusen, so he’ll become a free agent at the end of the season.

Needless to say, Tah’s imminent departure has piqued the interest of a host of European giants. After all, the Germany international is considered by many a ‘world-class’ defender.

Man United in the fray for Jonathan Tah

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According to Sky Sports, Man United are ‘actively considering a move’ for Tah, while Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona are also in the fray.

As the source explains, the Catalan giants might struggle to land the defender’s services due to their ongoing Financial Fair Play struggles, which were depicted by the Dani Olmo debacle, as they almost failed to register the Spanish playmaker.

On the contrary, Bayern Munich are supposedly in a healthier financial situation, and they offer Tah the chance to remain on home soil.

Real Madrid have an ace up their sleeve

Nevertheless, the source suggests that Real Madrid could have a significant advantage in the race, as Xabi Alonso is widely expected to leave Leverkusen to replace the current Los Merengues head coach, Carlo Ancelotti.

The report notes that the Spanish tactician shares a great rapport with the German defender, so the two men would relish a reunion at the Santiago Bernabeu.

That being said, Man Utd shouldn’t be completely ruled out of the race, as a financially lucrative offer could sway the big centre-back to sign for the Premier League giants, but securing Champions League football could play a decisive factor, as is the case in the club’s pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres.