A few Manchester United fans would have been disappointed at the lack of transfer development at Old Trafford. Although Sir Alex Ferguson brought in Wilfried Zaha during January, it was a typically quiet window for the Red Devils. However, United did take Leicester City striker Jeffrey Schlupp on trial. But just who is this 20 year old unknown?
NAME: Jeffrey Schlupp
AGE: 20
POSITIONS: Striker or left back
CLUB: Leicester City
NATIONALITY: Ghanaian
MARKET VALUE: £450,000
WANTED BY: Manchester United
Eyebrows were raised when reports of a striker come left back was taken on trial by United in January but he has certainly impressed scouts as his trial was extended into the next month.
Born in Hamburg to Ghanaian parents, Schlupp moved to England as a young boy and is a product of Leicester’s youth academy. Under then manager Paulo Sousa, he was handed the number 31 shirt and signed a new contract in March 2011 keeping him at the club until 2013.
With no first team opportunities for the 20 year old with the Foxes, he was sent on loan to Brentford making his debut as a substitute against Huddersfield. On his first full senior appearance in his career, Schlupp bagged two goals against Carlisle to clinch the game for his temporary side. His impressive performance was rewarded with another start and Schlupp did not disappoint; converting a header in the 3-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday.
Schlupp started in the 2011 Football League Trophy final but could not guide his side to victory after hitting the post with Carlisle running out 1-0 victors.
On his return to Leicester, he travelled with the first team on a pre-season tour of Sweden, appearing as a left back. In the League Cup first round, his first Leicester competitive appearance, Schlupp collected the match ball after netting a hat-trick against Rotherham. He also scored his first league goal against Derby County in October 2011.
United reportedly are impressed by Schlupp’s versatility as they are short in the full back department. But the Ghana international’s goal record proves he can easily slot into the forward role.
If Schlupp can impress in his stint, Leicester won’t prevent him from leaving for the theatre of dreams but United will hope to explore whether he is a viable option after seeing £7 million signing Bebe flop drastically.
Source: DSG
