Tottenham Hotspur Emerge as Frontrunners in Race to Sign PSG's Thomas Meunier
By Max Cooper
Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain star Thomas Meunier, as the Belgian defender is 'in talks' with Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The 28-year-old joined the Ligue 1 champions in 2016, but his contract is set to expire at the end of the current season, meaning he is free to negotiate a free transfer with other clubs for the upcoming campaign.
Man Utd have been keeping tabs on the full-back's developing situation at the Parc des Princes, but L'Equipe reports that Spurs have leapt to the front of the queue for Meunier's signature, thanks to a phone call between the PSG star and Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese coach is a big admirer of Meunier, and he is understood to have told the Belgian star that he would like him to join Spurs next summer - and Mourinho's courtesy call has been well-received by the defender.
Meunier still has high hopes that he will extend his stay in the French capital, and he is desperate to sign a new contract with the club. Unfortunately, it appears that any such deal is very unlikely, with sporting director Leonardo showing no indication that PSG are willing to put an offer on the table.
The former Club Brugge man must subsequently survey his options over the coming months, and the player has been impressed the most 'by far' by Tottenham's pursuit of his services.
However, it is believed that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is against the move for the full-back, but the reasons behind his disapproval are unclear.
Meunier is a versatile defender, who can be used in a number of positions across the backline, and he has even played in midfield when called upon. He appears to be an excellent alternative for Mourinho, who is keen to strengthen his squad with players of this particular ilk.