Man United 'open door' for Christopher Nkunku to join Premier League rival
Manchester United have cooled their interest in AC Milan star Christopher Nkunku as other Premier League clubs join the race.
The 28-year-old was a leading target for the Red Devils last summer, but he ended up making the move to Milan, where he has now been made available after just 12 months.
That led to suggestions that Man United could revisit a deal for the former Chelsea forward, but with Michael Carrick prioritising other positions, rival clubs could swoop.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Nkunku is not longer a target at Old Trafford, but he still has a number of admirers in the Premier League.
His availability on a discounted fee amid reports that Milan could accept just £25.6million, compared to the £36million they paid Chelsea last year, which has placed clubs on alert.
With Man United looking elsewhere as things stand, all eyes will be on Nkunku, with clubs across Europe now preparing offers to tempt him away.
Could Man United make a new move for ?
Brown told Football Insider last year that Man United had held talks with Chelsa and Nkunku's representatives as they have been long-term admirers since his time at RB Leipzig.
After spenidng 12 months at AC Milan, however, he has done little to reignite that interest and Man United have now moved on to other targets.
Nkunku scored seven goals and picked up three assists in 32 Serie A games last season, and while Ruben Amorim is now prepared to move him on, he still has a number of admirers.
"I would be very surprised if Man United made another move for Nkunku," Brown told Football Insider.
"They did like him before he moved to Milan and it was a deal they wanted to do, but for a few different reasons it couldn't get done, and he hasn't done much at Milan to warrant new interest.
"There's a reason Milan are trying to sell him already, things haven't worked for him there, so that interest from Man United has cooled.
"He's a talented player, though, I remember the first time I watched him at RB Leipzig and thinking he would be a real top player, and it's a shame that hasn't quite worked out.
"But he has got obvious talent, and when that's the case, there's always going to be interest from other clubs. The door is open now for other Premier League clubs.
"There are obviously other factors: how much will he cost? What are his wages like? Is he interested in the move? But if he's available, there are clubs who will look to explore a deal."
Which other clubs are interested in Nkunku?
Nkunku has been a long-term target for a number of Premier League clubs, not just Man United, and his availability is sure to have placed a number of them on alert.
Brown told Football Insider last year that Newcastle United had considered the possibility of signing Nkunku from Chelsea as they looked to replace Alexander Isak.
One year later, the Magpies are still looking to sign a new striker, and could be tempted to reignite their interest as reports suggest he remains on their radar.
Concerns about Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa have pushed Newcastle into assessing their options, while Matthias Jaissle is keen to bolster his squad.
Other options on Newcastle's radar include the likes of Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson, but with Nkunku's new-found availability, they could be tempted to make a move.