Man United 'make contact' to sign 'magnificent' World Cup winner in bargain summer deal
Man United are looking to bring in a centre-midfielder this summer to replace Christian Eriksen.
Manchester United’s summer business at the moment has been dominated by the potential addition of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, as the winger has reportedly agreed personal terms on a deal. However, they need to improve in other areas too.
The striker position remains a priority for the Red Devils, but with a lack of transfer funds, they may have to wait until they sell a couple of players to help afford a top number nine.
Following Christian Eriksen’s departure, United are also keen to add in midfield, especially considering that Casemiro has also been rumoured over a potential move to the Saudi Pro League this summer.
Man United ‘make contact’ for Corentin Tolisso
Ruben Amorim will be keen to add some more depth to his squad in midfield, as there is a lack of options behind the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte, especially if Casemiro leaves too.
French side Lyon are in a precarious position at the moment amid their financial struggles, and so may need to sell several players this summer to help keep them afloat. It has emerged that United are keen on one of their midfielders to help replace Eriksen.
According to French outlet L’Equipe, United have ‘made contact’ about potentially signing 30-year-old midfielder Corentin Tolisso, who is under contract at Lyon until 2027, meaning that the French club could decide to cash in on him this summer.
Tolisso comes off a season where he made 46 appearances for Lyon, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists in all competitions. He has an excellent resume, having won the World Cup with France in 2018, the Champions League with Bayern Munich in 2020, and five Bundesliga titles.
He has an estimated market value of around £10m, and has been hailed by Lyon boss Paulo Fonseca. The manager was quoted in French Football Weekly earlier this season saying: “Corentin is a magnificent, intelligent player, who works a lot for the team. I am really confident for him to find the French team if he continues like this.”
It has not been reported whether Lyon has said that the French midfielder will be available for a transfer this summer, and how much he could potentially cost Man United in a deal.
Who else could Man United sign in midfield?
In terms of other depth options in midfield alongside Tolisso, Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi has also emerged as a target for the Red Devils. It has been reported that the Nigerian international is available for just £9m this summer, and as someone with extensive Premier League experience, he could be a valuable depth piece for Amorim.
Ndidi made 30 appearances for the Foxes last year and was somewhat of a bright spark, scoring one goal and providing five assists, which are decent numbers for a holding midfielder in a relegation-battling side.
In terms of lesser-known options, the Red Devils have been scouting Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios, who starred for the Brazilian club in the Club World Cup, contributing two assists in five games.
He has an £85m release clause in his contract, but it is understood that Palmeiras could sell him for less if they were to receive a tempting enough offer. Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked to the Columbian international.