Manchester United
are monitoring Werder Bremen
star Per Mertesacker
as they look to add more
quality to their defence, Goal.com UK can
reveal.
The German club and Mertesacker’s representatives are aware of Sir
Alex Ferguson's interest but the Scot is likely to wait until next
summer before making his move.
Mertesacker was heavily linked with a £10 million switch to Arsenal
over the summer after a series of excellent performances for
Germany at the World Cup.
The 26-year-old was happy to stay at the Weserstadion despite the
interest from north London, but it is understood that he would find
it hard to turn down a move to Old Trafford.
Mertesacker’s contract expires in 2012 and gives United leverage in
any transfer negotiations over the highly-rated 6ft 5in defender,
although Ferguson has been made aware he is very unlikely to get
his man in January.
The Scot wants to add more quality to his central defensive options
because of Rio Ferdinand’s persistent injury problems and Chris
Smalling’s inexperience at the highest level.
“Ferguson has been interested in Mertesacker for some time and he
is certainly flattered by the interest,” a source close to the deal
told Goal “He loves Bremen but Manchester United is one of those
clubs that, if they want you, you have to listen.”
Mertesacker intends to stay at Bremen until next summer but will
assess his options at the end of the season, with sources close to
the player not ruling out the possibility of him signing a new
contract if the interest from top Europeans clubs fades away.
Should Mertesacker complete a move to United, it would fuel
uncertainty over the future of Jonny Evans, the 22-year-old
Northern Ireland defender who has had a shaky start to the
season.
Goal understands Ferguson believes he needs to add more strength in
depth to his defence and provoke a genuine battle for starting
places in his side.
“There is no way Ferguson would guarantee Mertesacker he will play
every week,” added the insider. “But the best players welcome
competition and it makes them better – Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand
and Per Mertesacker in the same squad would be very
interesting.”
The former Hannover 96 man, who cost Bremen €5m (£4.3m) in August
2006, had a frustrating start to the season after fracturing his
eye socket on international duty, but is now determined to help the
Bundesliga outfit as they challenge for the domestic title and
compete in the Champions League, where they are pitted against
Tottenham.