Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand is eager to see Ineos go and sign a midfielder from outside of the Premier League.
A midfield overhaul is on the horizon for Manchester United, and there are as many as 24 midfield targets being linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Ineos are expected to make two midfield signings, although a third could even arrive to add depth to a squad which is now confirmed to be playing Champions League football next season.
While Ineos are targeting Premier League-proven quality, Rio Ferdinand wants United to sign Kees Smit and he is once again pleading for a deal to take place this summer.
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Rio Ferdinand suggests swap deal for Kees Smit
Smit is expected to leave AZ Alkmaar this summer and United have been consistently mentioned as a potential suitor.
Ferdinand has been banging the drum on Kees Smit, and he continues to campaign for a deal to be struck for the 20-year-old.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, he said: “Kees Smit, he is the guy, guys, he is the one I’m hanging my hat on that I would go and get. I would give everything they want.
“I would throw in a couple of players if they want. Would AZ Alkmaar take any of our players? I would give a couple who are on the fringes.
“This kid, I’m telling you, he’s got crazy ability.
“He’s got the technique, under pressure, can take it deep, around the backline, in the eight area or 10 as well. Pure comfort under any type of press. I love him.”
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Man Utd players who could be used in Kees Smit swap deal
Smit is expected to cost around £52m this summer, so United will either have to pay up for the Dutch midfielder or find a player who can move in the other direction to lower the transfer fee.
As Ferdinand suggests, there are several players on the fringe of this United squad who could be offered.
Tyrell Malacia could return to Eredivisie, but his United contract is set to expire in the summer. United do have an option to extend for an additional year, but it seems more likely he will leave as a free agent.
Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee is also available to leave this summer, although a move to Italy appears more likely. Whether Zirkzee would be open to an Eredivisie move is yet to be seen.
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Alternatively, United could offer an exciting academy player of their own to AZ Alkmaar to help push through a deal for Smit.
A loan deal in 2026/27 for the likes of Diego Leon or Sekou Kone could also be favourable in United’s attempt to land Smit.
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