Manchester United are interested in Port Vale youngster Baylee Dipepa, according to a Mail Online report.
Following his successful investment into the Premier League giants, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team assumed control of football operations at Old Trafford.
Ratcliffe revealed that the club wish to take a different path having spent a lot of money on transfers over the past decade. He insisted that it is better for the club to uncover the next Kylian Mbappe or Jude Bellingham than purchase established stars.
Ratcliffe is quoted as saying, “I would rather find the next Mbappe, rather than spend a fortune to buy success. It’s not that clever to go and sign Mbappe, anyone could figure that one out.”
“What’s more challenging is to find the next Mbappe, the next Bellingham, the next Roy Keane.”
Dipepa, a 17-year-old forward, reportedly fits the new approach of the 13-time Premier League champions as they look to get back to the top.
The Vale academy product made his England Under 17 debit during the international break, scoring twice against Northern Ireland before following that up with the opening goal against Hungary on his first start.
His fine form continued on Good Friday when he produced a mazy run, cutting through the Bristol Rovers defence and finding the back of the net. This fine individual goal secured a vital three points for the Valiants and boosted his reputation further.
Vale Park boss Darren Moore knows the club have a big talent on their hands but is keen to manage the load placed on Dipepa. Moore stated that ‘so much has happened to him in such a short space of time’.
Moore admits the starlet’s ‘stock keeps rising’ and is hopeful his performances can help rescue the club from relegation to League Two.
Dipepa only signed his professional contract in January with the deal set to run until 2026.
Writer’s View
Dipepa has less than 500 minutes of senior football under his belt yet is already attracting interest from one of English football’s giants.
If United do make a move, it would be hard to imagine how this transfer doesn’t happen. The Old Trafford club will likely structure a deal that suits Port Vale and it’s hard to imagine a 17-year-old turning down such an opportunity.
Dipepa may even return to Vale on loan next season to continue his development and ensure he gets first-team minutes.
It’s an interesting strategy from those running football operations in Manchester, seemingly accepting that a quick fix to the lack of league titles is out of the question and a patient, more financially prudent approach is the way forward.
A primary school teacher turned writer, Tom has been part of The Real EFL for two years. He focuses on predictions, deep dives, and insightful content.
