Manchester United are ready to rival Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City in their pursuit of Youri Tielemans, it has been claimed.
The Red Devils have identified Tielemans as a top target in the summer as they look to strengthen their midfield options, according to the Mirror (via Manchester Evening News),
However, United might face stiff competition from league rivals Tottenham along with Leicester City, with the latter keen to extend his stay at the King Power Stadium.
Youri Tielemans: Just what Solskjaer needs
After a promising start under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manchester United have had a rough run of results in recent weeks, having won just two of their last seven matches in all competitions.
The lack of resources in the midfield department has been one of the key reasons behind their recent form, with Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic struggling with injury while Paul Pogba hasn’t been consistent.
And with Fred still yet to make an impression in the first-team, United will be desperate need of midfield reinforcements in the summer, thus making Tielemans a viable target for the Red Devils.
The Belgian international has enjoyed a rich vein of form after moving to Leicester City, on loan from AS Monaco in January. He has become a mainstay in Brendan Rodgers’ midfield, and his delightful combination with Wilfred Ndidi and James Maddison has helped Leicester comfortably hold their place in the top half of the league table.
Indeed, Tielemans has offered the much-needed composure and stability in midfield, which, in turn, has helped the likes of Maddison and Ndidi play their natural game. And this quality could certainly Manchester United, who have often relied on the services of young midfielder Scott McTominay.
In addition, the Manchester giants could brace themselves a potential squad overhaul in the summer, with Ander Herrera and Juan Mata already linked with a move away from Old Trafford, thus accentuating the need of a new midfielder.
And that’s where Tielemans comes into the fray. The Belgian will not only help United become more productive in their build-up play, but his strong right foot also makes him a threat from long-range, a quality that often becomes effective in the Premier League.
But most importantly, Mirror claims that Tielemans could be available for anything around £40 million in the summer, which is a snip in the market for a club like Manchester United. It also makes him significantly a cheaper option when compared to other United targets, thus making him an ideal target for the Red Devils.