United face new rival in £9m bargain midfield swoop that “will resolve itself relatively quickly” – report

INEOS are working to assemble a strong squad for head coach Ruben Amorim ahead of the new season.

Two tried and tested Premier League number 10s, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, have already signed, with a few more quality signings expected to follow.

One position tipped for reinforcement is central midfield. In the pre-season friendly against Leeds, the midfield was an apparent concern.

This was particularly evident with Bruno Fernandes deployed in a deeper role and partnered with Casemiro.

The United skipper tends to drift forward, leaving gaps that make United’s midfield porous and easy to dominate.

He needs an athletic partner who can cover massive ground.

Many believe a number six signing should be prioritised, and David Ornstein has confirmed that it is under consideration.

Ndidi transfer opportunity (his wish)

There have already been links to potential targets, one of them being Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi.

According to reports relayed by The Peoples Person, Ndidi’s £9 million release clause has fuelled United’s interest.

Further claims suggest the midfielder hopes to move to Old Trafford, a move he views as a step up.

Even so, INEOS are yet to make a concrete move to seal the deal, and they risk missing out as another serious suitor has entered the race for the Nigerian international.

West Ham join transfer race

As per Ben Jacobs (via talkSPORT), West Ham United, having just sold Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham Hotspur in a £55 million deal, are keen to go on a transfer spending spree.

“My expectation is that Graham Potter is going to be pushing this window for an attacking midfielder and also a number six,” said Jacobs.

“And the latest player that I’ve heard on the radar for number six is Wilfred Ndidi, who has been discussed by Manchester United, Everton, Real Betis, Juventus and even Saudi. There are so many clubs in for Ndidi that my feeling is that it will resolve itself relatively quickly.”

Such claims should have alarm bells ringing at Old Trafford.

Would United sit back and let rivals muscle in on the Ndidi transfer race and beat them to this bargain swoop?

With age catching up with Casemiro, 29-year-old Ndidi could offer the ideal opportunity to freshen up United’s midfield and inject much-needed energy.

The Leicester man, who has been on the English football scene since 2017, is admired for his strong defensive work, high work rate, and ability to break up play.

Versatile, physically strong, aggressive in duels, and excellent in the air, he could give United the bite they have been craving, if they can formalise their approach and snap up this transfer opportunity.

Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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