Man United 'looking to rival' Man City for £43m-rated Ligue 1 wizard 'greatly admired' by PSG

Man United are set to try and strengthen in virtually every position this summer as they aim to build a squad that can thrive under Ruben Amorim.

They lost 1-0 to Wolves in their last game, leaving them 14th in the Premier League, with their last hope of silverware this season hanging on their performance in the Europa League. They are currently in the semi-finals against Athletic Bilbao.

One position where United could do with more depth is on the wings, specifically players who can feature in one of the wide number 10 roles that Amorim likes to play behind the striker.

United linked to Man City target Maghnes Akliouche

They have been linked to several players who can play behind the striker, with one being Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. However, they have now reportedly identified an alternative who is already wanted by Manchester City.

City have already been linked to signing AS Monaco winger Maghnes Akilouche, but reports in France have now suggested that he could move to Old Trafford instead. L’Equipe have published a story which says that Monaco’s asking price stands at around £64m, although they could be willing to sell him for closer to £43m if the winger wants to leave.

They say that United are now interested in the winger, who has made 39 appearances for Monaco this season, scoring six goals and providing 10 assists. He also received his first call-up for the French national team in July last year.

The 23-year-old plays mainly on the right-hand side and so could provide a replacement for Alejandro Garnacho, who has been linked with a move away amid interest from Napoli and Chelsea.

Akliouche was described as “extraordinary” by Monaco manager

The Frenchman is known in Ligue 1 to be a big talent who could develop into a world-class winger, due to his natural ability and pace. Monaco manager Adi Hutter has been full of praise for the winger, he previously said in a post-match press conference: “The way he has progressed is really fantastic. He can make a big difference in our game. He is a big talent, and I think he will be in high demand next season by big clubs.

“He has had an extraordinary development since last season, where he had a great season. I can imagine that the club is receiving some offers for him. He is 23, and I don’t see many players with the same skills as Akliouche. When you ask me, he is ready to make the next step.”

Assuming that Man United do make a move to sign the winger, they will have to offer more than any bid from City, and likely offer a healthier wage bill to try and tempt him to come to Old Trafford rather than the promise of more immediate Premier League title contention at City.

In other news, 'It's just a number' - Manchester United summer transfer target addresses £100m price-tag.