Man Utd face Man City competition for perfect Sancho replacement

31 Oct 2023 23:01 GMT
3 min read

Manchester City are ready to rival Manchester United for Real Sociedad star Takefusa Kubo, according to reports in Spain.

The Japan international has been one of La Liga’s standout performers this season and he has five goals and three assists in 13 appearances in all competitions in 2023-24 so far.

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His form has unsurprisingly attracted interest from some of Europe’s elite sides, and both Manchester clubs are keen on signing him.

Mundo Deportivo have reported that Man City sent scouts to watch Kubo in action during Real Sociedad’s 3-0 win against Athletic Bilbao in late September. Kubo, 22, scored Sociedad’s second goal that day.

Furthermore, Mundo Deportivo added that Real Madrid, Napoli and clubs in the Saudi Pro League are also interested in signing Kubo, while they have also reported that Real Sociedad have already received phone calls regarding their Japanese star.

FootballTransfers exclusively reported earlier this month that Man Utd sent scouts to watch Kubo and his Real Sociedad team-mate Martin Zubimendi during their match versus Mallorca.

Sources informed us that both players were being watched as the Red Devils ponder making a move for the Sociedad duo.

Both Kubo and Zubimendi are contracted at the La Liga club until 2027 and Man Utd will face competition for Zubimendi too as Arsenal are keen on signing him as they look for a Thomas Partey replacement.

© ProShots - Takefusa Kubo, Real Sociedad

Man Utd to offload Sancho?

It’s little surprise that Man Utd have taken a liking to Kubo amid Jadon Sancho’s struggles at Old Trafford.

The former England international has been frozen out by manager Erik ten Hag after the pair’s public feud regarding his effort in training, and Sancho is currently not in the first-team set-up at Man Utd.

As a result, he is likely to leave in January, with Borussia Dortmund keen on re-signing him.