Amorim wants to build his side around 23yo Spaniard, United prepared to submit £43m opening bid – report

Manchester United are pondering making an offer for Villarreal midfielder Alex Baena, as per reports.

During Ruben Amorim’s first five months in charge of United, Bruno Fernandes has been his most pivotal player, playing a key role in the side’s build-up play as well as creating chances.

However, the overreliance on Fernandes has not worked well for the Red Devils, who find themselves void of any imagination or creativity when the Portuguese is not on the ball.

Amorim appears to recognise the issue and is reported to be keen on signing a new superstar.

According to Fichajes, the United head coach wants to make Baena “one of the cornerstones” of his project at Old Trafford. 

Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming the Premier League giants have enquired about the Villarreal talisman.

Now, the Spanish outlet suggest United are considering launching a €50 million (£42.88m) offer as they try to overtake Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich in the race for his signature.

The 23-year-old has primarily played as a left-winger under Marcelino this campaign but he is also capable of featuring as an attacking midfielder. Amorim is understood to be searching for versatile players and Baena fits his “vision perfectly”.

The prolific Spain international has been directly involved in 37 goals since the start of last season.

It is believed that Atletico have “taken the lead” having made initial contacts with the attacker’s entourage, but United have “already outlined their plan.”

Having said that, multiple reports in England have claimed the Mancunians are pushing to get the deal over the line for Wolverhampton Wanderers’  Matheus Cunha.

Since Baena and Cunha have a fairly similar profile and tend to move inside, it is difficult to see United use a big portion of their transfer budget on both stars.

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