Lucas Da Cunha: Man United have made contact with Como as they set up blockbuster transfer battle with rivals

Manchester United may have completed their much-hyped midfield revamp, but the results have not been flattering.

Carlos Baleba remains sidelined, but the Red Devils are hopeful that the Cameroonian can earn his first minutes for his new club against Tottenham Hotspur on 10 October.

Youri Tielemans has picked up speed after a forgettable start to life at Old Trafford, but his compatibility with Kobbie Mainoo has been questioned.

Andrey Santos’ form has fizzled out after a promising pre-season, and this shows that the 20-time English league champions have yet to find the perfect formula.

Lucas Da Cunha on United’s radar

Interestingly, TEAMtalk have suggested that United’s quest to upgrade their engine room might not be done yet.

The report reveals that INEOS have been in touch with Italian side Como over their midfield hero, Lucas Da Cunha.

The 25-year-old was primarily a winger or attacking midfielder when he first arrived in Lombardy, but Cesc Fabregas has slowly moulded him into a deep-lying playmaker.

And the Frenchman’s rise has been meteoric, so much so that he earned his first cap for the French national team under Zinedine Zidane recently.

Chelsea are the main competitors in the race to sign Lucas Da Cunha

This highlights his quality and potential, with Como tying him down to a new five-year deal. However, that has not stopped suitors from sniffing around, and United’s league rivals Chelsea are reportedly in pole position.

“Como midfielder Lucas Da Cunha has re-emerged on Chelsea’s radar following his stunning France breakthrough, though TEAMtalk understands interest in the 25-year-old predates his international recognition.

“Da Cunha was one of the shock inclusions in Zinedine Zidane’s first France squad and the Como star went on to start Monday’s victory over Belgium. The Frenchman’s profile has now risen significantly across Europe, but TEAMtalk can reveal that several Premier League clubs had already been monitoring his progress before his international breakthrough.

“Sources have confirmed that Chelsea, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Brighton had all made contact regarding Da Cunha. There was also interest from Serie A, with Atalanta, Napoli and Roma keeping tabs on the Frenchman.”

What Michael Carrick needs most are reinforcements at the back and up top, and it is unlikely that INEOS will spend big to land the Frenchman any time soon.

Feature image Lewis Storey via Getty Images