'We need to' - Bayer Leverkusen's transfer admission amid Manchester United interest in key duo

Bayer Leverkusen chief executive Fernando Carro has confirmed the newly-crowned Bundesliga champions may have to sell one of their star players this summer amid Manchester United's interest in Jeremie Frimpong and Edmond Tapsoba.

Leverkusen clinched their first-ever Bundesliga title on Sunday with a thumping 5-0 victory over Werder Bremen. Xabi Alonso's side have won 25 of their 29 league games this season and are still unbeaten in all competitions.

Their success this season has been built on an entertaining style of play and a catalogue of fine individual performances, meaning interest is mounting in a crop of their players ahead of this summer's transfer window. As reported by the Manchester Evening News in February, United are keeping tabs on both Frimpong and Tapsoba.

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The duo have played starring roles in helping Leverkusen clinch the Bundesliga crown, making 50 appearances between them. Frimpong has excelled at right wing-back, scoring eight goals and registering seven assists, while Tapsoba has been solid at centre-back.

Naturally, interest in both players has increased over the course of this season, meaning they may be forced to cash in come the summer. And according to Carro, they will almost certainly have to sell one of their star assets to generate funds for new additions.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper Diario AS, Carro said: "Every year we need to sell one big player to find budget for new signings, so probably we will sell one player. We're planning to sign two or three players with that amount of money."

United held discussions with the