Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has confirmed that he wants to bring a new central midfielder to Old Trafford during this summer's transfer window.
Ten Hag's future with the Red Devils remains unclear, but the Dutchman is planning for next season, and he has identified central midfield as a priority position for the upcoming market.
Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek could all leave this summer, while Sofyan Amrabat's loan deal from Fiorentina is not expected to be made permanent.
Here, Sports Mole looks at three potential midfield targets for the 20-time English champions ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
Joao Neves (Benfica)
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Neves enjoyed an impressive 2023-24 campaign for Benfica, scoring three times and registering two assists in 55 appearances in all competitions.
The 19-year-old is regarded as one of the best young talents in European football, and a number of major clubs are said to be keen on his signature, including Man United.
Benfica have the Portugal international on a contract until June 2028, though, with a release clause of €120m (£102m), so it is far from a straightforward deal.
Man United have other priorities in the market, including a centre-back and a central midfielder, making a big-money move for Neves difficult in the summer window.
However, a midfield three of Neves, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes next season is an exciting thought for the club's supporters.
Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona)
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Man United spent the majority of the 2022 summer transfer window chasing De Jong, with Barcelona believed to be open to selling the Netherlands international for financial reasons.
However, the midfielder made it clear on more than one occasion that he was not interested in leaving Camp Nou.
De Jong's future is again the subject of speculation, with Barcelona under pressure to make some big sales this summer due to their ongoing financial situation.
The 27-year-old is the dream midfield target for Ten Hag, and it is understood that the ex-Ajax youngster would be open to making the switch to Old Trafford this summer.
De Jong scored three times in 30 appearances for Barcelona last season, while he has represented the club on 213 occasions in all competitions since arriving from Dutch football in 2019.
Youssouf Fofana (Monaco)
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Fofana has revealed that he has an agreement with Monaco to leave this summer if a suitable offer arrives, and Man United are thought to be keen on his signature.
"My future? I have spoken about it with the hierarchy, it isn't a secret. We had exchanges and they agreed to accompany me in this new stage," he said at a press conference.
"If it (a move) doesn't happen, I still have a year left and I will be happy to stay. We were in agreement that we would accompany each other in this process in which everyone should be a winner, be it me or the club."
The 25-year-old, who is also being linked with Arsenal, scored four times and registered four assists in 35 appearances for Monaco during the 2023-24 campaign.
Meanwhile, he has seven goals and 15 assists in 175 appearances for his Ligue 1 club in all competitions, and a cut-price deal could potentially be on the cards this summer.
Fofana's versatility makes him an even more attractive proposition for Man United, and he certainly has the skill set required to be a success in the Premier League.
Matt Law
