Manchester United are in the mix for Scottish teenager Lennon Miller and have already made contact to explore a deal, according to reports.
Defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final on Wednesday confirmed this campaign as an absolute write-off and removed the prospect of European football at Old Trafford next season.
All attention will therefore be focused on steadying the ship in the Premier League, but before that challenge arises United must first dramatically overhaul their squad.
Without the lure of Champions League football, and without the financial boost being in that competition provides, the Red Devils will have to play it smart in the transfer market and consider how to get the best possible bang for their buck.
The club are reportedly looking north of the border for some bargain recruitment, with Motherwell midfielder Miller squarely in the frame.
According to TBR Football, United are one of numerous clubs from across Europe impressed with the 18-year-old’s performances and exploring a move for a player they call “one of the best teenagers in British football”.
Miller has already made 76 appearances for Motherwell and was a vital part of their team this season, even captaining them between November and December last year.
He made 39 appearances, racking up a huge 3,398 minutes on the pitch, scoring four goals and providing 8 assists from midfield.
It was reported earlier this year that his club would want “just short of £10m” for the player, although it’s possible that their valuation may have increased given the prospect of a bidding war.
While Chelsea appear to be leading the way, United are in hot pursuit along with several Premier League rivals including recent heartbreakers Spurs.
Newcastle United, Brighton and Hove Albion, Brentford, Crystal Palace and West Ham are also in the chase.
There is also interest from abroad, which is reportedly “looking an increasingly attractive option” for the player, who could be tempted to join the Scottish revolution in Serie A.
Atalanta, Como and Bologna are thought to be keen to give Miller this opportunity, while Strasbourg are willing to bring him to France and Scottish champions Celtic looking to keep him in the same league.
TBR Football note that the youngster’s character is “befitting of a player with incredibly high potential”, which will appeal to INEOS as they look to continue a recruitment drive targeting promising youngsters who can make an immediate impact, such as Patrick Dorgu, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.
Feature image Euan Cherry via Getty Images
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Joe Ponting
Joe has spent more than half his life writing about football and all of it following United. As a child he told a doctor his name was ‘Paul Scholes’, but could never pick a pass like him no matter how much he tried.
