Man Utd transfer target Mario Lemina drops two hints he wants Old Trafford move
MARIO LEMINA has hinted he is happy to join Manchester United, saying he wants to stay in England and is open to not playing Champions League football.
The best thing for me would be to stay here [in England]
Mario Lemina
"I aspire to play in the biggest clubs, now we will see what is proposed. I had chosen to leave Juventus for Southampton to have more playing time, I got it.
"I made a good impression in England, I had good returns at a certain time, so I hope clubs will not have a short memory. I stand by my plan, I decided to tell the leaders that I wanted to leave, there is no turning back.
"There is a risk, of course, but I know what I’m capable of, I’m 100 per cent and I’m going to prove that I can get back to my best.
“Some clubs may be more cautious, but they already know me. Today, I am fully recovered, I worked a lot. I am ready to move on.”
Man Utd transfer news: Mario Lemina is a strong holding midfielder (Image: Getty)
Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl left Lemina out of the squad for the side’s pre-season tour of Austria along with other players who have been shortlisted.
The 25-year-old has three years left on his St Mary’s contract and is valued at £18m.
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Man Utd transfer news: Mario Lemina is training in Southampton while the squad is in Austria (Image: Getty)
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Asked if his preference is to stay in the Premier League, Lemina said: “Certainly, it is an exceptionally interesting league.
“The best thing for me would be to stay here, but I don’t close the door on any club, or any country.”
United failed to qualify for the Champions League last season and, as for playing in the competition, Lemina said: “It is a bonus.
“If I get the opportunity to play in it this season, why not, but I am truly looking to find consistency again, to become an important player in a team again with big objectives.
“I need to play! That is genuinely my priority. I want to show the whole world what I am capable of.”