The £70million forward of the future Man United would be getting

The £70million forward of the future Man United would be getting - and their transfer advantage

Manchester United transfer news with Ruben Amorim reportedly plotting a January swoop for Borussia Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi

Karim Adeyemi was in Manchester just last week. The forward has been linked with a move to Manchester United in recent days but it was at the other end of the city where he caught the eye.

Borussia Dortmund were ultimately well beaten by Manchester City in the Champions League but Adeyemi was the bright spark for the German visitors, consistently asking questions of the home defence and playing his part in a Dortmund revival as the Bundesliga outfit briefly threatened a comeback from three down before losing 4-1.

It's not the first eye-catching European display from the 23-year-old this season with Adeyemi, reportedly valued at around £70million, having netted in the 4-4 with Juventus in September.

Adeyemi is capable of playing through the middle or on either side, and in many ways is the modern forward who is direct and skilful with an eye for goal and the versatility to play across the frontline.

He's long been touted as a star of the future and at times this season has looked like he is making good on that potential.

Dortmund Sporting Director Sebastian Kehl, speaking after Adeyemi starred in a win over Wolfsburg earlier this term, said: "(Karim) exudes a certain kind of relaxed attitude, professionalism, but also a winning mentality. At the moment, he's probably the best Karim Adeyemi we've seen here at Borussia Dortmund."

The Germany international has only managed three goals this season and is under contract at Dortmund until 2027, with reports suggesting he wants a release clause included in any new deal.

Adeyemi is a player who thrives when running at defenders and has a thirst to improve his numbers, with goals and assists key to the way he plays. He's grown in stature at Dortmund since arriving in 2022 from RB Salzburg, following a path trodden by Erling Haaland.

Having been at Bayern Munich as a young player, he was plucked from the second tier of German Under-19 football to join Salzburg. And the man recognised as spotting the untapped talent? Christopher Vivell - now head of recruitment at Old Trafford but then a scout within the Red Bull system.

The established connection between the pair would likely be a lure for Adeyemi if the reported interest from United were to be firmed up. Adeyemi was overlooked for the most recent Germany squad but did feature in October and has one goal from 11 caps for his country.

He first made his debut four years ago, while still at Salzburg, with his decision to move to Austria vindicated by regular football at a young age and European experience.

"The most important thing for a young guy is to play," he said, speaking in 2023 of his decision to join RB Salzburg. "They have a second team who play against adults. I played in the second league as a 16-year-old, a lot of games. I adapted to men's football and this is what is important for a young player.

"If you develop you can play in the first team of Salzburg and they play Champions League or Europa League. That is a great thing for a young player and you learn a lot. There are really good players in Salzburg and, for me, it was the best move that I could do."

That move came about in part because of Vivell. Maybe the United chief will have a say in his next transfer as well.

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