Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has reportedly drawn up a three-man midfield shortlist as he looks to strengthen his ranks over the summer in the next phase of his Red Devils rebuild.
The Dutchman has already overseen major change in that area since his arrival last summer, with Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Marcel Sabitzer arriving (the latter on loan), but there remains plenty of work to do.
As it stands, there is no viable backup for Casemiro, who is once again sidelined with suspension (his third of the season), while Christian Eriksen has missed the second half of the season through injury and is now well into the twilight years of his career.
Scott McTominay’s future is increasingly uncertain too, amid interest from Newcastle United, while Fred could also follow him out of the door, with the Brazilian out of contract in 12 months as it stands.
Change will be needed then, and according to the Mirror, Ten Hag has drawn up a three-man shortlist to bring about said change, though none will come cheap.
Surprising to no-one, the list is headed by ex-Ajax man Frenkie de Jong, despite the dutchman having made it clear several times that he would like to remain at Camp Nou this summer. Barca’s financial issues, however, may force them to make a sale, and United would like to be front of the queue for the man they narrowly missed out on last summer.
In a more affordable deal, Sabitzer may make his loan move from Bayern Munich permanent, with reports in Germany claiming that Bayern would not stand in his way should he wish to leave this summer, and the packed midfield ranks of the Bavarian club only set to be swelled by the impending arrival of Konrad Laimer.
