As Elliot Anderson heads to Manchester City for a British-record fee, Manchester United can’t help but watch on and wonder what might have been.
The Red Devils are still on the hunt for midfield reinforcements, as is the case for much of the Premier League, and several stars are threatening to steal the headlines as a result.
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Sandro Tonali is a name that’s been on Man United’s radar in the past, and Newcastle United have told clubs to pay £100m to secure the Italian’s services this summer.
It’s a similar case with Mateus Fernandes. Interest from Old Trafford is no secret, but West Ham United remain firm over their £85m asking price. Although, it remains to be seen whether that will last the test of time in the Championship.
Of course, Man United have already started their spending outside of those targets – agreeing a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta. His arrival was supposed to be the start of a major rebuild in the middle of the park, but construction has slowed somewhat in that department.
The World Cup isn’t just there for entertaining viewing, though. It’s a showcase for those at Old Trafford to take their pick of standout stars, and that has seen them turn their focus towards an impressive midfielder.
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Man Utd chief hold talks to sign World Cup star
It truly is the summer of expensive midfielders, even when welcoming those outside of the Premier League. According to Sky Sports reporter Patrick Berger, Man United director or recruitment Christopher Vivell is in talks with the camp of Felix Nmecha.
The Borussia Dortmund star has thrived at the World Cup for Germany, and Vivell is personally driving a move for the former Man City gem, staying in ‘close contact’ with his camp.
Dortmund, like West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle, are not letting their star man go easily, however. They’ve set a stunning €120m (£104m) asking price for Nmecha this summer.
After two assists and a goal in three games at the World Cup, the growing interest in Nmecha should come as little surprise in the Premier League.
Nmecha could become Man Utd’s biggest ever signing
Man United must consider just how much they want this midfielder of theirs this summer. Whether it’s Fernandes, Tonali or, indeed, Nmecha, they will have to pay a hefty fee. The latter is even likely to cost a club-record price. That’s how much Dortmund are set to demand in the coming months.
|
Rank |
Player |
Fee |
Signed from |
Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Paul Pogba |
£89m |
Juventus |
2016 |
|
2 |
Antony |
£81.3m |
Ajax |
2022 |
|
3 |
Harry Maguire |
£80m |
Leicester City |
2019 |
|
4 |
Romelu Lukaku |
£75m |
Everton |
2017 |
|
5 |
Jadon Sancho |
£73m |
Borussia Dortmund |
2021 |
Historically speaking, big-money transfers haven’t exactly gone to plan at Old Trafford. However, with INEOS’ new recruitment strategy proving successful in the last 12 months, Nmecha could finally end that trend.
Nmecha’s arrival would be bad news for Kobbie Mainoo
A midfield star who thrives whenever he’s asked to progress play through his passing range or ability to drive in possession sounds familiar, doesn’t it? On paper, Man United already have that in abundance thanks to Kobbie Mainoo.
The arrival of Nmecha would only raise serious questions about Mainoo’s place in the side for the umpteenth time in his Old Trafford career.
Having just dragged himself out of the miserable tenure of Ruben Amorim to become a key man for Michael Carrick, direct competition is the last thing that the Carrington graduate needs.
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