Man United providing ‘dangerous competition’ for £51 million Serie A midfielder

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Manchester United are providing competition to Juventus for Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, according to reports.

This summer promises to be an important one for Erik ten Hag and Manchester United with the club desperate for a clearout of the deadwood at the club with a new, exciting rebuild being targeted.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos are practically through the door at the club, pending the Premier League’s approval of the deal, and it seems they have already set out the target of young, hungry players to improve the club.

One area of the pitch that needs improvement is the midfield department. The emergence of Kobbie Mainoo has solved one conundrum but the future of defensive lynchpin Casemiro is potentially about to create another headache.

Koopmeiners interest

According to a report from Italian outlet Tuttosport, the club have identified an ideal target for that role with the Red Devils providing competition for the signing of Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners.

This season, the Dutch midfielder has been a vital part of Gian Piero Gasperini’s side which has naturally led to several big clubs being keen on a move for the former AZ Alkmaar midfielder.

The report states that the Italian side are already planning for the Dutchman’s exit from the club and have identified two targets of their own who could improve the engine room.

United landed Rasmus Hojlund from the Italian giants last summer so relations may well be smooth to pave the way for the Dutchman’s transfer.

Atalanta’s request

According to the report, the Premier League side that are most interested in the Dutch midfielder is Ten Hag’s United, who have a habit of signing players from the Netherlands.

The Italian club would demand £51 million for the midfielder and that is a figure that the Red Devils are more financially able to reach.

This season, the Dutchman has featured in 19 Serie A games, scored five goals and provided three assists for the Bergamo side.

It’s early days ahead of the summer, but this is one to note, and see if it materialises into anything more substantial later on.

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