Manchester United are considering a move for Atlanta United playmaker Thiago Almada, according to a report.
The Argentina international has taken MLS by storm since leaving Velez Sarsfield in February 2022, scoring eight goals and setting up nine more in 18 matches during the 2023 season.
Almada also ended his debut campaign with seven goals and seven assists from 31 matches across all tournaments - winning the MLS Newcomer of the Year award in the process - and his total for Atlanta stands at 15 goals and 16 assists from 49 outings.
The 22-year-old's MLS form caught the eye of Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni, who called him up to his 2022 World Cup squad, in spite of the fact that he had only earned one senior cap before the Qatar tournament.
Almada played just six minutes at during his nation's triumphant World Cup campaign, coming off the bench in a 2-0 group-stage win over Poland, but he nevertheless became the first MLS player to become a world champion.
© Reuters
The midfielder subsequently scored his first goal for Argentina in March's friendly win over Panama, and Atlanta still have the South American under contract until December 2025.
However, according to Argentinian journalist Bruno Gonzalez Garcia - via The Mirror - Man United are giving consideration to a summer approach, while Manchester City are also in the picture.
The Red Devils apparently believe that Almada has the potential to become a long-term successor to Bruno Fernandes, who turns 30 next year, but the Portugal international is still under contract until 2026 with the option of another 12 months.
Almada has mainly operated in a variety of attacking roles, often as a number 10, winger or centre-forward on occasion, but the Argentine has also been used in a deeper midfield position.
As a result, Erik ten Hag could consider Almada as an option to lessen the workload on Christian Eriksen, although the Red Devils have already reinforced their midfield with the capture of Mason Mount from Chelsea.
© Reuters
Having had two bids for the Englishman rejected, Man United had a final offer of £55m plus £5m in add-ons accepted, and Mount's arrival on a five-year deal was confirmed on Wednesday.
However, Man United could still lose another pair of midfielders before the start of the new season, as Fred and Scott McTominay are being tipped to depart in search of regular game time.
Fulham and Roma are thought to be interested in a deal for Fred, who was spotted in conversation with Cottagers manager Marco Silva following Man United's win over Fulham on the final day of the Premier League season.
Roma are also believed to be considering a swoop for McTominay, who has attracted glances from West Ham United ahead of the British-record sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal.
Ben Knapton
