United offered the chance to sign the “next NGolo Kante” for only 22m, INEOS have scouted him extensively – report

Manchester United are desperate to find a replacement for Casemiro before the start of pre-season while bringing in two more midfielders to add depth to a department ignored for far too long. Manuel Ugarte was signed for that express purpose, but the Uruguayan has flattered to deceive in his two-year spell so far. INEOS have seen enough and are keen to cut their losses with Atalanta’s Ederson seen as Ugarte’s replacement rather than the Brazilian‘s successor. Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest is reportedly on his way to Manchester City, while Sandro Tonali’s price and wage demands have meant a move remains out of bounds. Lucien Agoume back on United’s radar Outside the Premier League, Real Madrid’s Aurelian Tchouameni has been touted as a possible signing, but Los Blancos president Florentino Perez crushed the Red Devils’ dream with his recent statement. There was some news of the 20-time English league champions looking at Sevilla’s Lucien Agoume as a possible low-cost signing. His ball-winning prowess has earned him the moniker “the next N’Golo Kante“, which explains why plenty of teams like the former Inter Milan ace. Links with the Frenchman have re-emerged courtesy of Vamos Mi Sevilla FC, who have claimed that the Andalusian club have offered Lucien Agoumé to the Old Trafford side. Sevilla offering Lucien Agoume for a major discount Due to their financial situation, Sevilla have been forced to take such a major step, with United having the chance to sign the 24-year-old for around £22 million. That is indeed a steep price reduction, but United remain wary due to the France Under-21 international’s recent displays and his physical struggles. “Given the urgent need to raise funds immediately, the technical secretariat, led by sporting director José Ignacio Navarro, has set its sights on the British Isles. According to information obtained by VamosMiSevillaFC.com, the board of Eduardo Dato has contacted Manchester United directly to offer the transfer of one of their most internationally renowned players. “The club has conveyed to the British that there is strong interest from several European teams to force an auction. The board of directors value the footballer’s release clause at a figure close to 25 million euros. Doubts persist “Manchester United’s interest in the French midfielder is not a recent development. Although Lucien Agoumé’s profile fits the British entity’s plans, the operation generates some uncertainty among English analysts. “The French midfielder has completed a very poor final stretch of the season in the domestic championship. Scouts doubt his stamina, considering that LaLiga demands a much lower physical pace than the islands and the player has struggled to adapt.” It will be interesting to see if INEOS take the bait. Given the scout reports, it would be a surprise to see United pounce for Lucien Agoume despite the considerable discount. Feature image Fran Santiago via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25