Man Utd set to battle Man City to sign player who could be the next Desire Doue, club already set asking price

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Last summer saw Manchester United as an option for Desire Doue before he ultimately chose PSG instead.

Nobody can blame him for this decision when considering the current standing of the two clubs, and also, PSG offered him a chance to play in a frontline alongside some of France’s best, Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele.

Manchester United ultimately couldn’t compete for the 19-year-old last summer. The fears United had over missing out on Doue came true, and he hasn’t looked back.

Now, almost one year on, and Doue has become a superstar for PSG, much to United’s sure frustration. However, this summer has presented the opportunity to make amends.

As good as Doue is, United will know that other talents are on the market with the potential to be just as good. Ineos have now been linked with battling to sign a player compared with Doue, from France.

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Manchester United set to fight for Maghnes Akliouche signature

This summer is due to see Manchester United rebuild the team with several positions requiring upgrades in order to help restore the club to the top of football.

It is according to French outlet L’Equipe that United are one of several options for Monaco talent Maghnes Akliouche this summer.

The report claims that Monaco has already granted the 23-year-old his departure this summer, with a plan to sell put into action. There are several options in the market for Akliouche alongside United.

Manchester City are another interested club, while PSG are looking into the signing as they aims to acquire all the best talents native to France. Spanish sides are also keen on the Monaco sensation.

Whoever signs him will have to pay Monaco’s asking price of somewhere between £60m and £68.5m, which is a figure United would be hard pushed to afford.

With players like Rayan Cherki and Matheus Cunha available for less, as good as he is, Akliouche does not represent good value for money, as at 23, he is yet to grow into a huge influence for Monaco.

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What would Maghnes Akliouche bring to Old Trafford?

While a deal is unlikely at that fee, Akliouche would be a brilliant signing for the right price this summer, with his skillset perfect for the right-sided number 10 role at Old Trafford.

Akliouche is very creative, with 4.39 shot-creating actions per 90 and 6.15 progressive passes per 90.

Akliouche would be a big addition to the ranks at United, a massive upgrade on Antony for example and a much better fit.

To get an idea of who Akliouche plays like, FBRef has listed Doue as the fourth most similar, with Anthony Gordon as second. Another player United missed out on is Khvicha Kvaratskhelia who also made the list along with Spurs’ Dejan Kulusevski which is good company to keep.