Manchester United’s race to sign Bryan Mbeumo is nearing conclusion as the hunt for a midfielder begins to shape up.
There is so much business for Ineos to complete this summer that spending three weeks on Bryan Mbeumo has felt frustrating.
However, finally, after two rejected bids, Manchester United are now working out final details with Brentford.
A third offer is expected soon which should absolutely bring this saga to a close and see the 26-year-old lining up in Ruben Amorim’s system next season.
Following the addition of the Cameroon international, United still wants four new signings. Within this four is a midfielder, and if recent days are anything to go off, this could be next on the list.
With several names linked, now United have been handed a free run at signing one talent as rivals AC Milan look elsewhere.
AC Milan appears to have signed Ardon Jashari alternative
Despite the center of midfield not exactly being a glaringly obvious weakness, it has become clear Amorim wants change.
Amorim prefers his midfielders to be technically gifted, which as a statement reads bleak for Manuel Ugarte.
In addition to this, Amorim wants an athletic midfielder, which emerged around the same time that midfielder links did. One name linked heavily has been Ardon Jashari.
The Swiss midfielder always looked to be prioritizing AC Milan, however now Fabrizio Romano has reported that the Italian side are set to sign Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci
Milan will pay £19.6m up front for Ricci with another £1.7m in add-ons. Alongside this Milan have already signed Luka Modric, which makes it tricky to see where the Switzerland international fits in.
Jashari previously preferred Milan over United, but with Milan unwilling to pay the £29.8m demands of Club Brugge, the player might have to reconsider the Red Devils.
Manchester United have several midfield options
With no discounts expected to be given for Jashari, United could be a viable suitor in the coming weeks for the Belgian Pro League player of the year.
But United themselves have alternatives in mind.
One midfielder who has captured the attention is Richard Rios, who will be on the move this summer. United are interested in Rios but are yet to formalise any approach.
United have been linked with Felix Nmecha, however, he isn’t considered a leading contender. United would ideally want Adam Wharton, but with stretched finances already, he would be a tough sell to Ineos.
One interesting name linked is Warren Zaire-Emery from PSG. United are monitoring Zaire-Emery with his future uncertain, but being unwilling sellers, PSG would demand £85m.
Midfield looks like a priority and there are plenty of options in the market.
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