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'Man United target' Jeremie Frimpong limps out of Netherlands training in tears

  /  autty

Netherlands defender Jeremie Frimpong limped out of training in tears ahead of their World Cup last-16 clash with the USA on Saturday.

Louis van Gaal's side booked their place in the knockouts with a 2-0 win Qatar on Tuesday, meaning they topped Group A.

They now face Gregg Berhalter's side at the Khalifa International Stadium at 3pm (GMT) on Saturday.

And Frimpong, who is yet to play at the tournament, with Inter Milan full-back Denzel Dumfries featuring for every minute of the group at right-wing-back, looked in pain as he hobbled away from the Organje's training session.

The Bayer Leverkusen defender, who is yet to make his debut for the national side, was filmed on the floor and seemed to be crying as he covered his face with a bib.

A Netherlands member of staff came over and had a look at his right leg, which Frimpong was holding.

The former Celtic star then hobbled off alongside the aforementioned member of staff after being unable to complete the session, having hoped to impact the tournament in the latter stages.

Frimpong's injury comes after Manchester United were targeting a move for him in January.

The Red Devils have reportedly sent scouts to watch the highly-rated Bayer Leverkusen defender, who came through Manchester City's youth system.

The ex-Celtic man has impressed this term for the Bundesliga side in a variety of roles on the right flank and earned a call-up to the Holland squad for the World Cup.

The signing of Frimpong would continue Erik ten Hag's Dutch shopping spree as he looks to imprint his own style onto his United squad.

According to Fabrizio Romano and Florian Plettenberg, United's interest in the right-back is legitimate as they seek reinforcements in the position.

And Sky Sports Deutschland reported this week that United plan to accelerate talks after the World Cup for Frimpong, with the Dutchman top of Erik ten Hag's shopping list for the January transfer window.

Diogo Dalot's contract expires at the end of the season - although the club have the option to trigger a further year, which looks likely given his form this season - and, according to Plettenberg, United want 'a high quality right-back in [the] winter'.

Frimpong has been in superb form for Leverkusen this season and has already scored more goals this campaign than he had done in the whole of his professional career prior to the start of the season.

He has netted five times in just 15 Bundesliga games, while he also laid on two assists in five Champions League matches.

The 21-year-old is also able to play further forward and could help to provide his coach with much-needed flexibility in attack.

Frimpong's contract expires in 2025 and a deal in an upcoming transfer window could prove to be a win-win for all parties.

With Aaron Wan-Bissaka struggling with injuries this season amid doubts over his future, United are in need of a right-back who can replace, or deputise for, Dalot.

Frimpong would join compatriot Tyrell Malacia, who joined United in the summer, should he make a move to Old Trafford in the future.

Ten Hag could look to secure the services of Frimpong as he continues his rebuild at United.

In the summer, the Dutchman added Christian Eriksen, Antony, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro and Martin Dubravka.

United are back in action when they face Burnley in the Carabao Cup Fourth Round on December 21.