One of Real Madrid’s biggest stars has recently held talks with Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, according to recent reports.
Manchester United have cemented their position in the top four after beating Fulham 3-2 in the Premier League thanks to goals from Casemiro, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.
The emphatic win now means United are hunting down third-place Aston Villa, who only sit five points ahead of the Red Devils.
With the winter transfer window officially coming to an end, all the focus will now be on the summer transfer window, with the midfield position being a priority.
However, recent bombshell talks with a Real Madrid star have emerged between their agents and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Valverde held talks with United
Federico Valverde is undoubtedly one of the best midfielders in the world. Capable of playing as a six, eight and ten or even as a right-back, the Uruguayan would easily bring so much to United’s midfield.
The two-time Champions League winner would fill the void that will be vacated by Casemiro in the summer as an out-and-out winner with bags of experience at only 27, as well as leadership skills shown by the fact that he is a part of the captaincy group.
Having been part of the “accused” group that has been blamed for the departure of former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, he is reportedly open to looking at his options.
Reports, relayed by Football365, have claimed that in the past three weeks, Valverde’s agent has held two meetings with Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The Spanish giants would want over £86 million for his services.
However, the midfielder does not see United as an “appealing option” as he prefers a club that has the guarantee of competing for every major trophy.
Premier League options are better
While Valverde would bring the star factor to the club, there is a big chance he could be a risk, as he does not offer the same level of ‘Premier League’ proven quality as others. The likes of Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson would provide that guarantee of knowing the league, and therefore do not need a bedding-in period.
Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have demonstrated that the Premier League’s proven model, INEOS, has provided dividends. Whereas the signings of Sesko and Patrick Dorgu have previously shown thatthey need that time to get to grips with the league and a new country.
Read more: Rio Ferdinand says Kobbie Mainoo has a ‘superpower’ that Michael Carrick loves at Man Utd
Rob Dorsett has also confirmed that Premier League options are what United are pushing for, regardless (quotes as per Football365).
“Carlos Baleba at Brighton is on their list, Elliot Anderson at Nottingham Forest, they like Adam Wharton, and Joao Gomes at Wolves, so there’s a number of options. They may even do two,” he said.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 14:00 pm (GMT) on the United View YouTube channel.