Manchester United Transfer News: Breel Embolo Addresses Exit Rumours

Schalke striker and reported Manchester United transfer target Breel Embolo has confirmed rumours he had the opportunity to leave the club in January, but he never considered it.

Speaking to RevierSport (h/t Goal's Ryan Benson), the Swiss international emphasised his desire to shine for Schalke amid speculation of a €40 million offer from the Red Devils.

When asked if he ever considered leaving, he said:

"Not once. I have found a family club with Schalke, in which football is lived. When I was hurt I had so much support, was purposefully and gently reintroduced.

"Here at Schalke, it's also the person in their thinking, not just the footballer. This is sometimes even more important because it builds great trust.

"In the winter a few requests came. It's clear that clubs become alert when a young player does not play.

"I have always talked to Christian Heidel. For me, it was clear, when I felt good in the winter and saw myself on the right way, that there is only a plan 'A' with Schalke."

PATRIK STOLLARZ/Getty Images

Embolo was linked with United before he completed his move from FC Basel to Schalke in 2016, with Swiss newspaper 20 Minutes (h/t Sport Witness) reporting negotiations took place between the two clubs.

The 21-year-old instead opted to move to the Bundesliga, where he made an impressive impact early:

The target striker was slowly introduced into the Schalke team and flashed his potential, but his debut campaign took a major hit when he suffered a serious ankle injury against Augsburg in October. The injury brought a sudden end to his season and the momentum he was building.

Embolo has mostly been a depth option this season, with eight starts in the Bundesliga and an additional 12 appearances as a substitute.

Like many of the graduates from Basel's impressive academy, the Cameroon-born striker has a well-rounded skill set and the versatility to play just about everywhere in attack. He's been a regular for Switzerland, playing either as a striker or out on the wing.

He's a powerful figure inside the box but does a lot of damage in open space as well, thanks to his impressive athleticism.

He's also a good passer:

Embolo remains a great prospect, but at this stage of his career, he's yet to put together a long stretch of excellence for Schalke in the Bundesliga. The German side have a great reputation for developing talent, and the Swiss forward is in the perfect place to continue his career.

If his minutes don't increase in the near future, a transfer could become a possibility, but even then, he seems more likely to opt for a smaller club. Embolo shied away from a top outfit in 2016 in favour of a place where he could grow―there's no reason for him to change that approach now.

United have enough attacking depth and talented youngsters to groom as it is, so there would be little room for yet another raw talent in need of more opportunities.