Manchester United have reportedly readied themselves for competition for £60m-rated Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche, who is wanted by Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.
The Red Devils' needs for transfer reinforcements became clear once again on Sunday afternoon, when the club lost 1-0 against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.
United's defeat was their 15th in the top flight this term, and the result left them stranded in 14th place with just 38 points after 33 matchweeks.
Boss Ruben Amorim's ability to reinforce in the summer transfer market may depend on outgoings, with the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo linked with exits from Old Trafford.
However, L'Equipe claim that the Portuguese boss could also face competition for reported transfer target Akliouche, who has attracted interest from Premier League rivals City and French giants PSG.
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Akliouche in profile
The 23-year-old winger has caught the eye of a number of European clubs after a series of strong displays for Monaco, and he has managed to score 15 goals and provide 15 assists in 92 appearances for the Ligue 1 club since his debut in 2021-22.
Akliouche has netted four goals and registered eight assists in 28 league matches this term, and the right-winger managed to provide an assist against PSG in December, as well as score against Barcelona in the Champions League in September.
It should be said that the Frenchman is comfortable operating from the left and can also play behind a striker in an attacking midfield role.
The forward's pace and ability to dribble at opponents have made him one of the division's most exciting wide players, and there is hope that he can take the next step and scale his output in the final third next season.
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Are United pursuing the right strategy?
With co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe emphasising the need to cut costs at Old Trafford, United have often been linked with younger players rather than established stars, with January signing Patrick Dorgu just 20 years old.
While such a policy can bear fruit, there is a risk that results on the pitch may not necessarily improve in the immediate future given young players are naturally inconsistent.
Considering Amorim has come under significant pressure already this season despite only joining in November last year, the Portuguese boss may not be afforded the time to help develop the young stars at his disposal.
Lewis Nolan
