Said El Mala: Tottenham Hotspur spark Man United winter fight for Bundesliga sensation | OneFootball

Manchester United must act swiftly or risk missing out on an intriguing alternative to Antoine Semenyo, with fresh reports linking them to winter target Said El Mala.

After Manchester City won the race for Antoine Semenyo, United were inevitably forced to weigh up other options.

While there is talk that the Red Devils could divert their transfer focus towards midfield or even left wing-back, the prevailing idea remains that they are intent on strengthening the attack.

Fabrizio Romano recently claimed United are firmly in the market for an attacking addition, a move that could pave the way for Joshua Zirkzee’s departure to AS Roma.

Said El Mala links

Among the players United could target is FC Köln’s exciting winger, Said El Mala.

Just weeks ago, The Peoples Person relayed reports suggesting United were prepared to spend €40 million (£35m) on the 19-year-old.

Soon after, United were told of a clever transfer trick to secure the Bundesliga sensation, who has already produced six goals and three assists from just six league starts and eight substitute appearances.

DFB advice El Mala

German outlet Sport Bild is speculating on whether El Mala might leave Köln this winter.

With both Tottenham Hotspur and United credited with interest, the report noted:

“The top clubs, especially those from the Premier League, only really get going with their transfer offensives in the spring.”

However, the piece also claimed El Mala has been advised by the German Football Association to remain in Germany for now:

“(The German Football Association) They would like to see him take the next steps in his career in Germany. A regular starter at FC Köln, then a move within the Bundesliga — that’s the plan they’ve given him.”

The stumbling block, of course, is the €40 million (£35 million) asking price. Few Bundesliga clubs can afford such a figure, with Bild adding that only Bayern Munich appear a realistic domestic option. Yet Premier League sides, unlike most in Germany, would have no issue meeting that valuation.

Tottenham’s formal approach

That said, one reputable source claims that United’s league rivals, Tottenham, have made a formal approach to Köln for El Mala.

It is acknowledged that Ineos have also done their homework on the teenager, but Tottenham, who are close to selling Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace, have been the boldest in making their move for Köln’s No.13.

United will be watching closely to see how the North London club’s approach is received. If El Mala is truly a player they want, the Red Devils cannot afford to hesitate; they must act quickly.

Feature image Alexander Hassenstein via Getty Images

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social