Manchester United are clearly still in the market for a central-midfielder, but they could be about to face competition for Ryan Gravenberch.
Having already signed Mason Mount this summer, Erik ten Hag isn’t done targeting midfielders.
Following the departure of Fred to Fenerbache and with Donny van de Beek also rumoured to be on his way out, a signing is expected.
For weeks it has been Sofyan Amrabat who looked the most likely to come into the club.
But there are other options on United’s list, including yet another player who previously worked under ten Hag at Ajax.
However such a competitive market for midfielders means United could be about to miss out on one target with Premier League rivals interested.
Liverpool want United target Gravenberch
Gravenberch has always been suggested as a potential departure from the Allianz Arena this summer after struggling to get game time for Bayern after his initial £15.8m.
Therefore a long list of top European sides have emerged as suitors with Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester United on that list.
MORE UNITED STORIES
Now according to Santi Aouna, the Reds have ‘reactivated their pursuit’ of the Dutch midfielder.
Continuing he claims that the player is open to a Premier League move with talks currently ongoing.
The report on FootMercato also states however that the talented midfielder would prefer a move to Old Trafford over Liverpool.
Gravenberch is a player who has been on United’s list earlier this summer, however no offer has been made yet.
However with United’s search for a midfielder stalling ten Hag could resort to the ‘very dominant‘ player in the next few weeks.
United could offer Liverpool third summer embarrassment
Liverpool’s search for a more defensive midfielder this summer has been difficult due to multiple rejections.
Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia both rejected a move to Anfield in favour of Stamford Bridge.
Gravenberch is a player who is among those two quality wise, and in terms of what United need he is perfect, with 6.5 progressive passes per 90, bettering Lavia’s 4 as per FBRef.
Therefore if Gravenberch were to become a competition between these two sides, Liverpool could end up embarrassed again.
Gravenberch has a known good relationship with ten Hag and would likely relish the chance to work with him again.