Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Breel Embolo Amid Schalke Rumours

Schalke 04 have reportedly joined the race to sign FC Basel starlet and reported Manchester United transfer target Breel Embolo, while RB Leipzig have confirmed they are no longer interested in the Switzerland international. 

Embolo is widely regarded as one of the best young strikers in Europe and is already a key member of Basel's starting XI, despite being just 19 years old.

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As reported by SportBild (h/t Daily Express' James Cambridge), Leipzig were thought to be the favourites to sign him amid rumours of a £16 million offer, but manager Ralf Rangnick has told the Leipziger Volkszeitung they will no longer pursue Embolo: "We’ve informed the agent of Embolo and Basel that we are no longer interested in his transfer.”

Kicker (h/t Cambridge) said Schalke will be United's main rivals to sign Embolo, as Leroy Sane is said to be close to a move to Manchester City and star forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has been linked with former club Ajax.

Here's a look at the man they want to replace the Dutchman with:

According to the report, Basel value Embolo at £20 million, which seems fair for a young striker who is already scoring goals at the senior level. Per Cambridge, he scored 13 goals last year, a solid return for a youngster.

The Swiss star is very raw, something that has become evident during Euro 2016. He struggled against France in the scoreless draw between both sides, as Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny negated his tremendous power and athletic ability by not giving him any space to work with.

Embolo worked hard and found success when he dropped into midfield, a key component of his game. Squawka Football shared his stats after the contest:

The Cameroon-born forward is a versatile attacker who likes to move in and out of the box and make life difficult for his marker. He'll frequently split out wide to fire in crosses, drop into midfield to carry the ball forward or play with his back toward the goal and distribute around the box.

Finishing isn't his strongest trait yet, although he doesn't miss a lot of chances. Liam Canning of the Daily Mirror is a fan:

United have found some success with young forwards in the past 12 months, as both Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial established themselves as stars of the future. The success of those two could be a big asset in the race to land Embolo, but it could also be why the teenager opts to move to Schalke.

The Red Devils already have two star youngsters who may not play as much as they did last year once Jose Mourinho lands the targets he desires. The Portuguese manager doesn't have a great reputation when it comes to integrating younger players, and veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is expected to become the team's top option up front soon, per Marca.

JOSE MANUEL RIBEIRO/Getty Images

With Rashford and Martial already in the fold, it's hard to see why United would feel the need to invest in another raw but talented young striker, unless they believe they can groom him into a superstar. But for that he'll need playing time, which he may not find immediately at Old Trafford―a loan would be more likely.

If Sane and Huntelaar do leave the Veltins Arena, Schalke would have a clear need at the striker position, and the German side have shown they're not afraid of using their youngsters in the last few years.

Their reputation for developing players is excellent, with the likes of Sane, Max Meyer and Leon Goretzka all tipped as stars of the future. Schalke could work wonders with Embolo, who should take his time working his way to the top and not move to a massive club before he's ready.

It's difficult to turn down United, however, and if Mourinho is anxious to land the teenager, there's a good chance he will. But with Rashford and Martial already at the club, the Red Devils could opt to be patient and watch how Embolo develops in the next 12 months before making a move.

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