Exclusive: Man Utd & Brighton eyeing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at bargain £25m fee

Manchester United are the latest club to explore a move for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who could leave Leicester City for a cut-price fee this summer if the Foxes fail to win promotion to the Premier League.

Leicester rejected a £20m bid from Brighton in January, an offer which fell well short of the club's £45m asking price at the time. Leicester ideally want to keep Dewsbury-Hall, who has 10 goals and 12 assists in the Championship this season, but accept they may be forced to sell even though he is healthily contracted until 2027.

Brighton’s interest remains, and they would be prepared to raise their January offer, which Leicester sources dismissed in January without engagement. But Dewsbury-Hall also has a new suitor in Manchester United, and an initial enquiry has already been made to the player's camp.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe doesn't plan to get directly involved in negotiations, instead leaving that to Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc, along with John Murtough, and Dan Ashworth once a deal is agreed with Newcastle. However, Ratcliffe has already pointed out in internal meetings to United’s recruitment team that a player like Dewsbury-Hall could offer value and versatility.

A central midfielder is expected to become a priority at Old Trafford if Casemiro departs - 90min understands the Brazilian has interest from Saudi Arabia - and with Christian Eriksen currently seeing diminished game time, United need additional bodies to support the emerging Kobbie Mainoo.

A potential Leicester exit is not only down to Dewsbury-Hall's own ambitions but because the club have been charged by the Premier League with an alleged breach of their Profit and Sustainability Rules - a situation that could force a sale regardless of whether promotion is attained.

The Foxes have said they are "willing and eager" to find a resolution with the Premier League but were "extremely disappointed" at the timing of the charge, which has now been referred to an independent commission.

If Leicester go up, sources indicate suitors will have to pay close to £40m to sign Dewsbury-Hall, slightly down on previous asking prices. However, if Enzo Maresca's side fail to return to the Premier League it’s understood there is a gentleman’s agreement in place allowing the 25-year-old to exit for less. Sources close to the player reveal a £25m guaranteed fee would be enough to facilitate an exit.

Brentford have also tracked Dewsbury-Hall and could pursue a transfer this summer presuming they stay up. The Bees have some budget available after talented forward Antonio Nusa’s £25m switch from Club Brugge unfortunately fell through due to knee and back issues uncovered during his medical.

Dewsbury-Hall is obviously not a like-for-like replacement for Nusa, but based on current form would add goals output from midfield, something Thomas Frank is looking for.

Yet Dewsbury-Hall would prefer to move to a club with European football. It's understood his preference would be to join ex-Leicester teammate James Maddison at Tottenham Hotspur. The pair are close friends and Maddison has raved to Dewsbury-Hall about life under Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs are certainly in the market for a midfielder this summer, but it's more likely they will reignite interest in Conor Gallagher should a new deal with Chelsea not be agreed. Although it's not true wages are a stumbling block, Chelsea are currently keeping all options open ahead of the summer, including waiting to see if a suitable offer arrives. Gallagher will cost at least £45m.

As it stands, Tottenham's interest in Dewsbury-Hall isn't active, but he was a player Fabio Paratici was looking at prior to his football ban.

Dewsbury-Hall hasn't won an England cap yet, but part of his motivation to switch to a club playing European football is to try and force his way into consideration ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

It's a big ask to break into England's midfield with Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham both automatic starters and the likes of Gallagher and Curtis Jones in strong form, plus Mainoo is starting to come into Gareth Southgate's thinking. But Ajax's Jordan Henderson is heading into his final international tournament meaning a central midfield spot will free up.

Dewsbury-Hall would also have to show that he can replicate his strong Championship numbers at a higher level. But the appeal to many suitors is not necessarily his goals so much as his ball-carrying skills, and the fact he can play in defensive, central or attacking midfield.

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