Manchester United Transfer News: Breel Embolo Linked Amid RB Leipzig Rumours

Reports in Switzerland have said Manchester United are in talks to sign £15 million FC Basel wonderkid Breel Embolo, beating German upstarts Red Bull Leipzig out of the race for his signature.

According to Swiss newspaper 20 Minutes, the Red Devils are in negotiations to recruit the 19-year-old, who could earn up to €6 million (£4.7 million) per year—or £90,000 a week before tax—if he moves to Old Trafford, as reported by German daily LVZ (h/t Sport Witness).

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That's thought to be significantly more than the €3 million (£2.3 million) Leipzig were reported to be offering their target, who scored 10 goals in 27 Swiss Super League appearances last season.

The Mirror's Alex Richards added Red Bull Leipzig "are expected to be big movers in the transfer market this summer ahead of their top-flight debut," but they won't be competing with a club like United just yet. That report asserted the Germans were willing to shell out £15 million for the attacker's signature.

While Leipzig would be ready to offer first-team assurances, there's also the fact United present a much greater challenge than a team poised to play their maiden season in the Bundesliga.

Metro's Chris Winterburn backed up reports that the financial factor is alleged to weigh heavily in the deal, with Embolo standing to make twice as much at Old Trafford as he would at the Red Bull Arena:

The 10-times-capped Switzerland international is but the latest starlet to mill his way through Basel's ranks in recent years. He now looks set to join the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, Mohamed Salah and Granit Xhaka—each of whom have left Basel at young ages in recent years—in leaving for one of Europe's bigger leagues.

Embolo finished the 2015-16 season featuring consistently up front for Basel, but he's also proved proficient out wide, and as Sport Witness' Tom Coast has noted, United could do with the wing support:

Ben Lyttleton of Sports Illustrated recently tipped the teenager as one of his 10 youngsters to keep an eye on at Euro 2016, where he's hoping to establish himself in Switzerland's starting lineup.

The move appears to have emerged out of nowhere on United's side of things, but Sport Witness recently attested to their interest in the youngster being long-term:

The Red Devils could see Memphis Depay leave this summer after a torrid first season at Old Trafford, and Metro's Sean Kearns recently reported the Dutchman was spotted shipping his cars back to his native Netherlands.

That sparked debate as to whether the winger will last under new United chief Jose Mourinho, who may not have been impressed with what he saw from Depay during a dismal maiden campaign in England.

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It's suggested in the Sports Witness report that Mourinho may not move for Embolo as he looks to instead recruit some more established, senior talent, something he'll need if he's looking to make a quick impact with the club.

The Red Devils already have a group of young stars developing in the likes of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard, but Embolo could soon add another attacking prospect to their squad.