LONDON, England, November 9- Manchester United are stepping up their interest in Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama the Daily Mail reported on Friday.
According to the publication, United chief European scout Martin Ferguson was in attendance at Celtic Park to watch the 21-year-old impress once again against Barcelona.
The Harambee Stars midfielder scored the opener against the Catalan giants as well as nullifying the threat of World Cup and twice European winners, Andreas Iniesta and Xavi on Wednesday.
His performance immediately set off another round of speculation regarding his future after the player who is contracted at the Bhoys until 2014 declined a new improved offer on his current deal.
The paper understands that Premier League clubs are willing to offer £12m (Sh1.644b) in January with the English leaders set to make their move with manager Sir Alex Ferguson keen to add another midfielder.
In the summer, big spending QPR failed in a £10m (Sh1.37b) bid for the player who joined Celtic from Germinal Beerschot for £900,000 (Sh123.3m) with Hoops boss, Neil Lennon valuing him at £25m (Sh3.25b).
Former United defender and captain Gary Neville, talking of the player’s performance against Barcelona, said: “That display has put him right in the shop window and Celtic will do very well to hold on to him,” the Daily Mail added.
In their column ‘Champions League Winners and Losers’ Football365.com contributor Matt Stanger said this of the Kenyan ace under ‘Winners’.
“Neil Lennon wasn’t the only man at Celtic Park to put himself in the shop window with his shrewd decision-making. The manager has already claimed that Wanyama is worth £25million and the midfielder increased his value even further with a brilliant performance.
“Manchester United have been linked with a move for the Kenyan international and his physical, imposing presence would provide a huge boost to the Reds’ midfield. Wanyama made more tackles than any other Celtic player against Barça and committed just a single foul, which suggests astounding self-control.”
“Ahead of United’s clash with Braga, Sir Alex Ferguson claimed: “Bit by bit, we are collecting a good group of outstanding young midfield players.” The 21-year-old Wanyama could be the missing piece to the jigsaw.”
Wanyama is expected to join the national team for its friendly against Tanzania on Wednesday after Celtic’s weekend Scottish Premier League tie against St Johnstone.
