NAIROBI, Kenya, January 24- The probability of having the first Kenyan don the famous Manchester United jersey increased when the club boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, travelled to Scotland to watch Victor Wanyama in action.
The Old Trafford chief was not disappointed after watching the in-demand Kenyan midfielder put on another commanding shift capped with a goal as Celtic ran 4-0 winners over Dundee United.
As a result, English media has started spinning the wheel on the move for the 15 million pound rated Celtic player with The Independent, Metro and Daily Mail taking the lead in attaching figures that would prise the Kenyan from Glasgow to Manchester.
“The imposing midfielder has been integral to Celtic’s progress in the Champions League this season, most notably with his headed goal in the famous victory over Barcelona at Parkhead last year.
“The Independent reported earlier this week that Arsenal are also interested in Wanyama as they look to address the imbalance in their midfield,” The Independent reported.
“United are understood to be one of the sides keeping close tabs on the 21-year-old and Wanyama’s performance is unlikely to have altered that,” the publication added on their website.
“As his Manchester United side prepare for this weekend’s FA Cup clash against Fulham 4,500 miles away in Qatar, Sir Alex Ferguson returned to his Glasgow roots to watch Celtic’s 4-0 victory over Dundee United.
“The Old Trafford boss was spotted in the Parkhead crowd as Neil Lennon’s SPL leaders romped to an emphatic SPL win with Kenyan midfielder Victor Wanyama putting in a stand-out performance,” said Daily Mail.
Metro went ahead to cap a potential transfer fee for the Kenyan a figure also fronted by the Daily Mail.
“Manchester United are believed to be weighing up a £10million (Sh1.37b) bid for Victor Wanyama after manager Sir Alex Ferguson personally scouted him this week.
“United boss Ferguson was pictured watching Wanyama during Celtic’s 4-0 demolition of Dundee United on Tuesday night, in which the Kenyan midfielder got the Bhoys’ second goal.
“The strike capped off a fine performance from Wanyama, who is considered one of the best young holding midfielders around, and has previously attracted interest from Arsenal and Tottenham,” they wrote on their website.
The Metro added: “It’s thought that Celtic want up to £15million (Sh2.055b) to part with Wanyama, who cost them just £900,000 (Sh123.3m) from Belgian club Beerschot last summer.”
English media outlet concur that Celtic do not want to part with Wanyama before their Champions League last-16 tie against Juventus next month.
But few players have resisted the call from Ferguson, one of the most respected managers in the game and should the reports prove accurate, then Kenyans who support the Red Devils can look forward to pinning the name Wanyama at the back of their replica jerseys.
Should he opt to follow the route he endeared himself to Celtic fans by opting for squad number 67 in respect to the year Celtic bagged the European title, his choices in United could be 99 or 68.
