Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 'targets' his former Man United player as first transfer

Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is targeting his ex-player Tom Lawrence as he looks to secure his first Besiktas transfer.

Solskjaer had been out of work since November 2021 when he was sacked by United following a terrible run of form. Since then, the Norwegian has been keeping up with his coaching in his home country and has also worked as a match analyst for UEFA.

However, he has finally been lured back into a high profile job after agreeing an 18-month contract with the Istanbul club. Besiktas currently sit sixth in the Turkish Super Lig and are perilously close to elimination from the Europa League.

As such, Solskjaer will be aiming to bring in some of his own players before the January transfer window slams shut. According to the Daily Mail, one of the first names on the Norwegian's wishlist is Lawrence.

Solskjaer knows all about Lawrence after managing him while United's reserve manager. The attacking midfielder would only make one senior appearance for United before leaving permanently for Leicester City in 2014.

His time with the Foxes was fraught with loan moves before eventually settling at Derby County in 2017. Lawrence's form with the Rams earned him a move to Rangers in 2022 where he had impressed before a horrendous run of injuries made him susceptible to leaving Glasgow.

However, if the Turkish club want to complete the move for the 31-year-old, they will have to fend off competition from a host of English teams. Premier League Ipswich Town, along with Championship promotion hopefuls Burnley and Sheffield United are all thought to be keen on Lawrence.

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