Manchester United are now racing Barcelona and Real Madrid for the signature of a "total footballer", who is attracting growing interest from across Europe.
Man Utd eyeing midfielder amid Mainoo uncertainty
There are now doubts over Kobbie Mainoo's future at Old Trafford, with it recently being revealed the young Englishman is pressuring INEOS to sell him to Real Madrid in January, viewing the Santiago Bernabéu as a dream destination.
Mainoo has been unable to force his way into Ruben Amorim's plans, having made just two appearances in the Premier League so far this season, both of which coming as a substitute.
It is perhaps no surprise the 20-year-old is looking to leave his boyhood club, given that receiving regular game time will be crucial to his chances of going to the 2026 World Cup, having been omitted from the most recent England squad.
With the youngster's future up in the air, the Red Devils are looking to sign a new midfielder, identifying Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba as a target, and they are expected to hold a meeting with the 21-year-old.
Baleba is not the only young central midfielder on the shortlist, however, with a report from Caught Offside revealing that Man United have now joined the race for Ajax maestro Jorthy Mokio, who is attracting growing interest from across Europe.
The likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea are also keeping a close eye on Mokio, who is capable of playing in both defensive midfield and at centre-back, with the 17-year-old's versatility deemed to be one of his key strengths.
jorthy-mokio-ajax
Ajax are eager to keep hold of the teenager, whose contract doesn't expire until 2027, but a bid in the region of €30m (£26m) could make the Dutch club reconsider their stance.
The Gent-born midfielder/defender has already established himself as a first-team regular for Ajax, which is an encouraging sign, making 22 appearances for the Eredivisie side, and scout Ben Mattinson believes he is a very talented youngster.
Mattinson also adds: "Mokio on the ball is exceptional. Sprays passes effortlessly and plays through the press like a quality midfielder."
The Ajax starlet's defensive ability has been on display regularly over the course of the past year, while also proving himself as an impressive dribbler of the ball.
Statistic Average per 90 (past year)
Blocks 2.82 (99th percentile)
Clearances 2.35 (84th percentile)
Successful take-ons 1.25 (94th percentile)
Progressive carries 2.03 (92nd percentile)
With Baleba expected to cost over £100m, it would make sense for Man United to target a low-cost alternative, and Mokio's potential availability for around £26m makes him an attractive option.
Combine that price tag with his ability to play at centre-back too, notably hailed as "one of the most talented teenage CBs in world football" by scout Jacek Kulig, this is certainly a saga to keep an eye on.