Manchester United are in the market for midfield reinforcements this summer and have been told the whopping fee it will take to sign a World Cup star also wanted by Liverpool and Arsenal
The opening of the summer transfer window has centred on midfield targets for Manchester United - the part of the squad Michael Carrick will be eager to bolster after witnessing Casemiro's departure from the club.
Reports suggest United are aiming to sign at least two central midfielders this summer. United secured a deal for Atalanta's Ederson prior to his last-minute call-up to Brazil, but additional signings will be required as the club gear up for their Champions League comeback.
The Red Devils previously showed interest in Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and West Ham star Mateus Fernandes, who have since finalised respective transfers to Manchester City and Tottenham . United are also among several clubs linked with Lille prospect Ayyoub Bouaddi following his standout performances at the World Cup. Here's all the latest news from Old Trafford.
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Club chief provides Ayyoub Bouaddi update
Lille president Olivier Letang has revealed the club's position on Ayyoub Bouaddi's future, reports the Mirror .
The 18-year-old midfielder's recent performances for Morocco have reportedly piqued the interest of United, as well as Premier League rivals Liverpool and Arsenal .
"Many clubs are interested in him, but very few can afford him right now," Letang told Eurosport about Bouaddi. "He's already one of the best midfielders in the world and still has significant room for improvement."
When pressed about the club's valuation, the Lille president declined to name a specific sum, but referenced Anderson's £116m price tag and highlighted Sandro Tonali's proposed £100m switch to Spurs - suggesting Bouaddi could cost even as much as £120m.
The Lille chief indicated any interested party would need to stump up an enormous fee to secure the teenager's signature.
"You have to look at his level," Letang explained. "How much have players like [Elliot] Anderson or [Sandro] Tonali been sold for, who are much older, but without room for improvement, so you have an idea of the value of Ayyoub, who has a unique profile at only 18-years-old."
Fresh £50m target emerges
United are reportedly pursuing Chelsea star Andrey Santos as part of the club's mission to strengthen their midfield options.
The Brazilian is said to want a move away from the Blues in pursuit of consistent playing time. The Guardian reports United have started monitoring Santos following their failure to land Anderson and Fernandes.
The 22-year-old is priced at approximately £50m by Chelsea, despite sitting below Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in the club's hierarchy.
Chelsea require funds to support new manager Xabi Alonso's ambitions in the transfer market. Santos joined Chelsea in 2023 and featured in 27 league matches last season, making 13 starts.