Bayer Leverkusen have contacted Manchester United over a January deal with defender Brandon Williams, according to reports in Germany.
Williams had a breakthrough campaign last season, making 36 appearances in all competitions. He operated primarily as a left-back, although he is equally comfortable on the right, but found first team action more difficult to find in 2020/21, with just 246 minutes in all competitions this season. .
Leverkusen are looking for a replacement for Santiago Arias, who suffered a late season injury in October. The Colombian only joined Die Werkself on loan in the summer and only managed one appearance before suffering a broken leg and ankle ligaments while on international duty.
According to Sky Sports, Bayer has appointed Williams as a potential replacement and wants to take him to Germany permanently. United, however, are only willing to sanction a loan transfer.
Leverkusen has had an extremely impressive start to the season and is currently second in the Bundesliga, just two points behind leaders Bayern Munich. Despite losing the talisman Kai Havertz to Chelsea this summer, Peter Bosz’s side appear well placed to return to the Champions League next campaign, but they are aware that they needed more depth in their squad.
If they continue to pursue Williams, they will face competition for his signing from Southampton, among others. The Saints were keen to sign him this summer, only for United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to block an exit from Old Trafford.
Now, with minutes hard to find, Ralph Hasenhuttl has rekindled his interest and Southampton are hopeful of loaning him out in January. to have it loaned during the January transfer window.
United are expected to run their own business next month. Young American Travian Sousa is a target, but an approach for Villarreal center-back Pau Torres is expected to be saved until the summer. Emerging Ecuadorian midfielder Moises Caicedo is another name that has been linked heavily, while Amad Diallo is already on his way from Atalanta.
