Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag ‘has Amad loan preference’ as Leeds eye transfer

Manchester United star Amad has emerged as a surprising transfer target for Leeds.

07:00, Sun, Jun 25, 2023

Amad Diallo's season at Sunderland reviewed

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag would prefer to loan Amad abroad or to a Premier League side instead of Leeds, according to reports. The Ivory Coast international dazzled during his spell at Sunderland last season. However, it’s unclear what the future holds for the youngster given the attacking options already at the club’s disposal.

Amad moved to Sunderland with a point to prove 12 months ago after failing to shine at Rangers.

But the 20-year-old ended up being a huge hit, scoring 13 goals from 39 Championship matches and clocking up three assists along the way.

Now, according to The Mirror, Leeds are keen to bring Amad to Elland Road on a temporary basis this summer.

With Jack Harrison and Wilfried Gnonto apparently eyeing moves away, Amad has emerged as a possible target for the club.

However, Ten Hag’s preference would be for the Ivory Coast international to move abroad or to a Premier League side instead.

Man Utd transfer news Ten Hag Amad

Man Utd star Amad is a transfer target for Leeds (Image: GETTY)

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This, it’s claimed, is what the 53-year-old thinks is best for Amad’s development.

There have been reports saying Amad, if he’s forced to leave on loan again, would love another stint at Sunderland.

But with the Black Cats still in the Championship, it’s unclear if they’d be able to recruit the player go.

United apparently plan on taking Amad to their pre-season tour of America.

Once Stateside, Ten Hag will then closely examine the forward and make a decision on his future.

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Man Utd transfer news Ten Hag Amad

Man Utd sealed Amad transfer back in January 2021 (Image: GETTY)

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As for Leeds, they won’t be deterred from pursuing a deal for Amad.

Especially given the youngster is currently behind the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony in Ten Hag’s pecking order.

Yet with no new boss named as a replacement for Sam Allardyce, Leeds have plenty of work to do.

Meanwhile, Sunderland chief Kristjaan Speakman has played down his side’s chances of signing Amad for a second season in a row.

"I think he's one of a few players in a category of taking a bit of a risk off the back of us explaining what our story is and what's potentially achievable here,” he said.

Man Utd transfer news Ten Hag Amad

Man Utd signed Amad during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's time in charge (Image: GETTY)

He added: “We had a lovely chat [at the end of the season], myself, Tony [Mowbray], Amad and his young family, he's a really nice young boy and we're really pleased that we could help him in his career.

"The whole point for Amad was to come here, be successful and go to the next level.

“Let's be really clear, he's a tier-one footballer in the global game. There's a lot of clubs out there, Bundesliga, La Liga, Premier League… that will want to take him.

"The really nice thing I think is that I think he would want to come back, and that says a lot about his experience here and how the fans have taken to him.

Man Utd transfer news Ten Hag Amad