Man Utd and Newcastle battling it out for Amadou Haidara but RB Leipzig reluctant to sell in January transfer window

MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly in competition with Newcastle in the race to prise midfielder Amadou Haidara away from RB Leipzig this month.

However it has been claimed that both clubs face a struggle in landing the 23-year-old in January.

PA

RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara is attracting the interest of Manchester United and Newcastle[/caption]

SunSport exclusively revealed in December how Ralf Rangnick was eyeing up a reunion with the Mali international, who he signed for Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg.

And it was recently reported how the Magpies joined the Red Devils in their pursuit of the two-time Austrian Bundesliga champion.

It was said how Eddie Howe’s side are willing to make him their highest paid player on around £160,000-a-week.

But in a blow for both clubs, SPORT1 reporter Patrick Berger has declared that a summer transfer is more likely as Leipzig are reluctant to sell him.

The Premier League teams could now wait until the next window to bring him to England when his £33million release clause becomes active.

Should he depart Germany, United could be the favourites to secure his services with the player known to be a fan of the Old Trafford outfit.

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Berger tweeted: “Newcastle and Manchester United are interested in Amadou Haidara who’s dreaming of playing in UK (favourite club as a kid: #MUFC).

“Talks ongoing. But RB Leipzig’s POV [point of view] is quite clear.

“No interest to sell the midfielder in winter!

“€40m[£33m]-release-clause activates in summer.”

Haidara is currently at the Africa Cup of Nations where he has featured in both of Mali’s opening group matches against Tunisia and Gambia.

He has appeared in 18 games for Leipzig in all competitions this term where he has chipped in with three goals.

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