Manchester United are now eyeing a surprise move for a "sensational" former Manchester City player, who is seen as an ideal target, according to a report.
Ruben Amorim planning major overhaul
Given his side's extremely disappointing season, Ruben Amorim is planning a major overhaul of his squad this summer, with the manager searching for a deep-lying midfielder, centre-back, wing-back and striker.
Liam Delap has been identified as a major target to strengthen the attack, while Barcelona's Alejandro Balde could be brought in to bolster Amorim's options at wing-back, despite the arrival of Patrick Dorgu in January.
A new centre-back has been deemed a necessity due to the recent injury setback Lisandro Martinez has suffered, having been ruled out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury suffered in the recent 2-0 Premier League defeat against Crystal Palace.
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Luke Shaw's future at Old Trafford is under serious doubt, as Ruben Amorim eyes reinforcements.
There are also indications Amorim could look at bringing in a versatile full-back in the summer, with reports from Spain revealing the United boss is keen on signing Al-Hilal's Joao Cancelo, who is viewed as the ideal option to strengthen the right-back area.
The former Man City man has impressed since moving to the Saudi Pro League, meaning a move back to a top European club could now be on the cards, with the likes of AC Milan and Aston Villa also being named as potential suitors.
That said, the £247k-per-week full-back is contracted until the summer of 2027, so Al-Hilal will be in a strong negotiating position.
Al Hilal's Joao Cancelo celebrates scoring their second goal
Cancelo was "sensational" for United's rivals
Should the 30-year-old be willing to move to the rivals of his former club, he could be an excellent addition to Amorim's squad, considering the level of his performances during his previous stint in the Premier League.
Ex-teammate Phil Foden lauded the Portuguese defender during his time at the Etihad Stadium, saying: “Joao is one of the best if not the best attacking full backs in world football right now, he is always adding goals and assists.
“If one of the attackers is having an off day we need someone coming up with the goals and assists and he is always there in the big moments in the big games. We know he has got that quality in front of goal and he is sensational.”
The full-back has continued to display his attacking prowess, as well as his defensive ability, since signing for Al-Hilal, ranking highly across a number of key metrics over the past year.
Statistic Average per 90
Successful take-ons 2.23 (99th percentile)
Progressive carries 3.04 (87th percentile)
Interceptions 1.69 (94th percentile)
Tackles 2.5 (79th percentile)
Cancelo's ability going forward suggests he would be a fantastic signing for United, given that Amorim plays a system utilising wing-backs, but his affiliation to their rivals could prove to be a stumbling block.