Sources: Man United told £50m Josh King offer could be accepted
Manchester United have been told Fulham could accept offers upwards of £50million for Josh King, sources have told Football Insider.
The 19-year-old has shone under Alvaro Arbeloa this season despite their difficult results on the pitch, and has placed a number of elite clubs across Europe on high alert.
Man United are believed to be keeping a close eye on his progress, with the midfielder viewed as one of the most talented young players in Europe at the moment.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Man United and other interested clubs have been told Fulham will demand over £50million for King.
The Cottagers are understood to be reluctant to sell their best player, but for the right price, they could be tempted, especially after their slow start to the Premier League season.
King is expected to be open to the possibility of a move, and while there are doubts about whether a deal could be done in January, a move could be agreed next summer.
Could Man United make a move to sign Josh King?
Football Insider reported on 21 September that Man United could make a move to sign King amid the ongoing saga surrounding their own teenage midfielder, JJ Gabriel.
Since breaking into the starting XI under Marco Silva last season, King has enhanced his reputation with a number of strong displays in the Premier League.
He has also been among Fulham's top performers this season, and while his contract is set to run until 2029, there is a feeling that Man United could be ready to lure him away.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Josh King will be on the radar for a number of clubs because of his performances for Fulham so far this season.
"It's not just Liverpool, there's been talk of the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and even Barcelona looking at Josh King.
"Fulham are not planning for any early departure for Josh King. He is still under contract until 2029 and obviously they'll want to keep him.
"Especially if they find themselves in a relegation fight this season, they will want to keep one of their best players to try and get them out of that situation, but it could be difficult.
"If Manchester United or any other club wanted to make an offer, he's going to be worth in excess of £50million probably right now."
Who else is in the race to sign King?
Despite their strong interest, Man United are far from the only club keeping tabs on King's situation, with Fulham's struggles having put top sides on high alert.
The likes of Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund are among his European admirers and could make compelling offers to leave England, despite Premier League interest.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 9 October that Liverpool are interested in making a move to sign King as they continiue plans to strenghten in midfield.
Liverpool are set to keep tabs on his performances, and should he continue to impress, they could be tempted to make a move ahead of their big-name rivals.
Despite Fulham's reluctance to see him move on, the level of interest in his signature could prove tempting for the midfielder, who could join a new club in 2027.