Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic is attracting interest from clubs in the Serie A, it has been reported.
Both AC Milan and Inter Milan are eyeing a move for the Serbian International, and the 30-year-old is in discussion with Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over his future at Manchester United, according to a report from ESPN FC.
Inter Milan are readying an offer of £10 million plus Radja Nainggolan in an attempt to lure Matic away from Old Trafford, the report adds.
Manchester United are in a rebuilding phase themselves, and have managed to add a few young players to their squad so far in the transfer window.
Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff has emerged as one of the potential targets for the Norwegian manager to replace Matic at United this summer.
Should Manchester United go ahead and accept the deal?
Nainggolan and Matic, despite being midfielders, perform separate duties and have completely contrasting playing styles.
While the Belgian features as a box to box midfielder and is expansive, the Serbian usually plays in the defensive midfield role and protects the defence.
With that being said, both are efficient passers of the ball with the Belgian averaging a pass success of 84.3% last season as compared to Matic’s 86.9%, which is slightly better.
However, the Inter midfielder bests the Serbian in all the attacking areas, thanks to his slightly higher position on the pitch.
Nainggolan managed 6 goals, 3 assists, 2.4 shots and 1.4 key passes per game which eclipses Matic’s 1 goal, 0 assists, 0.5 shots and 0.4 key passes per game by a mile.
However, Matic outdid the Belgian midfielder managing 1.9 tackles, 1 interception, 1.8 clearances and 0.6 blocks per game to Nainggolan’s 1.2 tackles, 0.3 interceptions, 0.2 clearances and 0.1 blocks.
It’s not something complex to figure out that the Serbian boasts high numbers in the defensive contributions over the course of 90 minutes.
Scott McTominay is well equipped to play the defensive midfield role and in case Longstaff’s signing materialises, it could be curtains on the Serbian’s time at Old Trafford seeing his disappointing performances of last season.
With the departure of Ander Herrera, United desperately need a strong midfield presence and Nainggolan could fill in the void left by the Spaniard.
This sounds like a good deal for all parties involved seeing Red Devils will get £10 million plus a player who will add a bit more pizzazz to the midfield.
I think they should do the trade in a heartbeat.