Manchester United and Chelsea have started to “monitor” a Bundesliga midfielder, who could cost £52 million.
Manchester United’s need for a central midfielder has only become more prevalent since Rúben Amorim’s departure. Casemiro announced he would be leaving the club at the end of the season, leaving just Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo as double pivot players going into the summer. Ugarte has also been linked with a move away from the club, so United must start looking now.
Before Amorim was sacked, United were heavily linked with an engine room signing to partner Bruno Fernandes in the double pivot. But with Fernandes moving back to his natural No.10 position, a new central midfielder is needed now more than ever.
Conor Gallagher, one of the early targets, has now moved to Tottenham Hotspur – making that option impossible. Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton are all likely to be too expensive for the January window, especially if Michael Carrick is only an interim boss, so who do they go for?
One option is to trust the academy and promote one of the under-21s stars. Jacob Devaney and Tyler Fletcher have impressed in the defensive midfield position, while Jack Fletcher could also come into the side more regularly as more of a playmaking midfielder, like Mainoo. Sékou Koné is currently training with INEOS-owned Lausanne-Sport, so he isn’t currently an option.
Signing a new midfielder on loan seems like the most sensible option. Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been mentioned, but those links seem to be wide of the mark. A new name has now been mentioned.
United “monitor” Dortmund midfielder
Felix Nmecha, a product of the Manchester City academy, has had an impressive season at Borussia Dortmund, leading to reports of Premier League interest from both Chelsea and United.
Caught Offside have said: “Scouts from a number of English clubs have also watched him closely in recent weeks.” Chelsea and United have begun to “monitor” the midfielder, while Tottenham Hotspur have been tracking him for several months.
A deal for Nmecha could cost as much as £52 million due to his impressive season for Dortmund. One source said: “The club’s board want to secure his long-term future, with his current deal running until 2028 and no release clause included.
“Dortmund are determined to keep him and are considering improved terms to fend off Premier League approaches.”
The high fee points towards more of a summer deal rather than January, leaving Carrick with just three central midfielders until the end of the season.
United must make midfield a priority
Ugarte has struggled since his move from Paris Saint-Germain, despite playing for his former Sporting CP manager for the majority.
In truth, to restart his career, Ugarte likely needs a move away from Old Trafford in the summer window – the best option for both parties.
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This makes the need for a new central midfielder even more prevalent. Experience may need to be the key with Casemiro leaving; his leadership has been vital since he signed for Erik ten Hag’s team.
While Nmecha is an impressive talent, his age profile may not make him the best option for United in the summer window.
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