Diallo slams ex-Man Utd boss as two new clubs lead the race for the Red Devils star

TONY MOWBRAY'S Birmingham and Watford are close to signing Manchester United winger Amad Diallo on loan.

Mowbray worked with Diallo at Sunderland during a loan spell last season and will be working hard for him in the summer when Blues have money to spend.

The chase is on for in-demand Man Utd star Amad DialloCredit: Alamy

Diallo has shown he can shine in the Championship and Mowbray rates him highly, so that gives Birmingham a chance, but there will be rivals.

Watford tried for Diallo last month and are planning a serious summer move – possibly even including an offer to buy him from Udinese, who like the Hornets are owned by the Pozzo family, and send him back to England.

Diallo has yet to make the big breakthrough at Old Trafford and was sought after by many in the shop window.

Middlesbrough played a big role, but the 21-year-old was reluctant to join.

And with United asking for most of his wages to be paid, it put off admirers.

Next time around, however, Birmingham and Valerien Ismael's Watford plan to deal with United, who want most of his wages away, making it an expensive deal in any form.

Amad's criticism of Boro was something of a shock given the club's United connections.

Michael Carrick, who enjoyed a twelve-year playing career with the Red Devils, is the current head coach.

Carrick also coached Amad as acting boss, naming him the side in charge for two of his three Premier League games.

After the wideman scored against Boro last season, the ex-West Ham star praised the Ivorian.

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He said: “I know Amad very well from United.

“He is a great footballer and it seems he has gone up another level from the start of the season. His performance has improved and he is a threat.

“He is a talented player, very flexible on the ball and has a great feeling for how he handles the ball.

“He is sharp, has injection and sees the space very well. Obviously I know him and I have watched him closely. He is not easy to stop because he is one of the better players.”

A reunion with another United old boy, Wayne Rooney, will not happen again after he was sacked by Birmingham.