Manchester United’s hunt for a midfielder has now taken them to the Serie A, with reports linking the Red Devils with a move for Inter Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu.
Ruben Amorim’s side have lost Christian Eriksen’s creativity, while there are concerns regarding the suitability of Casemiro due to his ageing legs, and Manuel Ugarte, who struggled in his debut campaign.
The Portuguese tactician not only needs steel in the middle of the park, but also someone who can provide the silk needed to dictate play from deep.
Sport Mediaset (via FCInter1908) have claimed that in recent hours, the 20-time English league champions have got in touch with Inter’s Turkish playmaker over a surprising summer switch to Old Trafford.
Hakan Calhanoglu generating interest in the Premier League
Apart from United, the 31-year-old also has Fulham hot on his heels, alongwith Galatasaray. The former AC Milan star would relish the prospect of returning back home, but so far, Gala have not come close to Inter’s valuation.
The Turkish giants are ready to offer €15 million but the Nerazzurri are demanding close to €40 million for a player who has a contract in Milan until 2027.
“Hakan Calhanoglu wants Galatasaray, but the Turks cannot go beyond 15M to Inter today. The Nerazzurri are asking for a figure close to 40M.
“In the last few hours, Manchester United and Fulham have made inquiries with Calha’s agents, after those who arrived from Arabia in recent weeks. Galatasaray are aware that in the event of an auction it will be difficult to get to the midfielder.”
Gala cannot compete with English sides
A bidding war would suit the Champions League finalists, but whether INEOS come even close to such a valuation for a 31-year-old, who has only two years left on his current deal, remains to be seen.
The Turkey international has 11 goals and eight assists to his name last term, all while playing as a deep-lying playmaker, something that would suit Amorim’s requirements.
But the Premier League is a different beast altogether, and there are legitimate doubts as to whether he can offer the same physicality and intensity in the English top-flight.
And for the price being quoted, there is very little chance INEOS gets involved, especially amid rumours that they will strengthen in midfield via a loan deal or a low-cost signing.
Feature image Marco Luzzani via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
