MANCHESTER UNITED plan to scout Konrad Laimer when they play RB Leipzig in December, according to reports.
And the Austrian midfielder could even be seen as a potential Paul Pogba replacement.
According to the Manchester Evening News, United are preparing for the Frenchman to leave the club next summer.
The report adds that the Red Devils will make the most of the upcoming Champions League clash to cast their eye over Leipzig ace Laimer.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side travel to Germany for their final Group H game on December 8.
Laimer missed the 5-0 thumping at Old Trafford as he continues rehab from an ankle fracture at the end of August.
But there is a chance he may be back fit again in time to face United.
Laimer, 23, came through the Red Bull Salzburg academy and has been dubbed by some as the Austrian N’Golo Kante for his tenacity and ability to win the ball back.
But while his impressive stats – 11.23 defensive duels and 9.29 recoveries per 90 minutes – exceed any United midfielder, he also offers plenty going forward with his passing and dribbling.
And Laimer’s confidence in a midfield pairing would suit Solskjaer’s system, allowing Bruno Fernandes to operate in the No10 role.
As things stand, the Norwegian has turned to Fred and Scott McTominay as the two sitting midfielders with Pogba unable to fit into the side.
That has led to the £89million man declaring this season ‘the most difficult period of my career’ and increased speculation he will leave next year, despite triggering a contract extension.
Speaking during the November international break, Pogba opened up on how tough he is finding life at the moment.
He said: “I had never known such a difficult period in my career.
“The France team is a breath of fresh air, the group is exceptional, it’s magic.”
Despite being fully fit all season, Pogba has started just five of United’s 12 matches this season, managing a goal in the Carabao Cup and assists against Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig.
The two matches he completed the full 90 minutes were the home defeats against Spurs and Arsenal, conceding penalties in both.
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