MX23RW : Friday, December 13 04:15:38| >> :120:12690:12690:

Manchester United 'still interested in signing a defensive midfielder'

Man United 'still interested in signing a defensive midfielder'
© Reuters
Manchester United remain interested in signing a defensive midfielder this summer, according to a report.

Manchester United are reportedly still interested in signing a defensive midfielder this summer despite their pursuit of Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong.

The 20-time English champions are believed to be close to securing De Jong's signature, while a deal for Feyenoord defender Tyrell Malacia is also said to be on the verge of going through.

Man United are also looking to sign Christian Eriksen on a free transfer, while a bid has reportedly been submitted to Ajax for Lisandro Martinez.

Dean Henderson's switch to Nottingham Forest will also see the Red Devils bring a new back-up goalkeeper to the club before the transfer window closes.

However, despite the recent developments, Man United remain interested in signing a defensive midfielder, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Leicester City's Youri Tielemans on March 1, 2022© Reuters

Leicester City's Youri Tielemans continues to be linked with a switch to Old Trafford, and there is believed to be an interest in the Belgium international from senior figures at the club.

The 25-year-old was again an important player for the Foxes during the 2021-22 campaign, making 50 appearances in all competitions, contributing seven goals and five assists in the process.

The midfielder's contract at the King Power Stadium is due to expire next summer, though, and he is believed to be keen to leave Brendan Rodgers's side this summer in search of pastures new.

Arsenal and Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in Tielemans, while Wolverhampton Wanderers' Ruben Neves is another player to be strongly linked with a switch to Old Trafford.

Neves has two years left to run on his deal at Molineux but is also thought to be seeking an exit, with the 25-year-old also believed to be attracting the attention of Barcelona.

Ruben Neves warms up for Wolverhampton Wanderers in March 2022© Reuters

The Portugal international made 36 appearances for Wolves during the 2021-22 campaign, contributing four goals and two assists in the process.

Man United have allowed both Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba to leave on free transfers this summer, but Donny van de Beek is back at the club after a loan spell at Everton.

Fred and Scott McTominay are also expected to remain at Old Trafford in the current market, but midfield was an area of weakness for the club during the 2021-22 season.

Jesse Lingard, Edinson Cavani, Juan Mata and Lee Grant have also departed Man United this summer, while the likes of Phil Jones, Eric Bailly, Alex Telles and Anthony Martial could be on their way out before the end of the transfer window, as new head coach Erik ten Hag prepares to overhaul the squad.

ID:489201:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect6971:
Written by
Matt Law

Click here for more stories about Ruben Neves

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay pictured in September 2021
Read Next:
Man United 'not interested in selling McTominay this summer'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Rams
@
49ers
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!