Manchester United are being linked with a potential move for AC Milan star Ismael Bennacer.
A report in the Algerian international’s homeland via Competition claims United are ‘determined’ to sign the 24-year-old.
Bennacer has two years left on his AC Milan deal, and while Fabrizio Romano reported back in March that the Italian side were hoping to extend his contract, there has been no progress.
The midfielder’s current contract has a release clause of 50 million Euros (£43 million), Competition report Milan would cash in for a cheaper amount, and also suggest Bennacer would not turn Manchester United down.
Ismael Bennacer to Manchester United
Bennacer was part of AC Milan’s Serie A winning side last season, although was an irregular fixture in the line-up, starting 15 games, and featuring as a substitute 16 times.
This came after starting 45 Serie A games in the previous two seasons, and so his recently reduced role could play a part in any motivation Bennacer has to move on.
Bennacer began his career with lower division French side Arles, before being snapped up by Arsenal under Arsene Wenger in 2015.
He only played one League Cup game for Arsenal before being sent out on loan to Ligue 2 side Tours, and then signed permanently by Empoli.
It was at Empoli where Bennacer’s career took off, establishing himself as a regular in two seasons in Serie A, before AC Milan snapped him up in a £14 million deal.
Bennacer has played more than 100 games for Milan in all competitions, winning one title, and has also played 40 times for Algeria.
Importantly, he plays in a position where Manchester United need reinforcements, at defensive midfield.
While a move for Frenkie de Jong remains a desire for United, BBC Sport report, a move for a more destructive, ball-winning midfielder should also be sought, to complement his talents.
Last season for Milan, Bennacer made the same number of tackles (52) as Franck Kessie, despite playing nine fewer 90 minutes, per FBRef – and won more tackles (38) than any AC Milan midfielder.
Bennacer also made the fourth highest number of pressures (133) in the Milan side, despite making only 15 starts.
The Algerian is a talented player, who is a good age, and would not cost a great amount. If he is a player Ten Hag wants to strengthen the team, he could turn out to be a shrewd addition.