Manchester United are set to go head-to-head with Real Madrid in the race to sign a Bundesliga star after completing their in-person checks.
Man Utd prioritising move to sign £48m star
It's a big summer for the Red Devils and one they should be optimistic about after Michael Carrick's revival. The interim boss has picked up the pieces of the chaos that Ruben Amorim left behind and built a side on course to finish third in the Premier League.
It remains to be seen whether it's enough to earn a permanent gig at Old Trafford, but Carrick has certainly done his reputation no harm in recent months.
Michael Carrick at Man Utd 25/26
Games
Wins
Draws
Defeats
One defeat in 10 games is some doing given the side that the interim boss inherited, but Man United may still look elsewhere in their search for a manager.
On the transfer front, meanwhile, it's also likely to be a busy summer. INEOS already transformed Man United's frontline last summer, welcoming Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbuemo and Benjamin Sesko, who have all been successful.
benjamin-sesko-man-utd
Now, they're set to turn their attention towards the rest of the squad. In midfield, for example, reports have claimed that Sandro Tonali is the leading target.
Whilst rumours that the Italian has a special clause to leave the club have been shut down, the saga is likely to heat up when the summer transfer window arrives.
Away from midfield, the Red Devils are also seeking defensive upgrades. To that end, Man United are prioritising a deal to sign Nathaniel Brown from Entracht Frankfurt ahead of Real Madrid, according to reports in Germany.
Man Utd want Brown to replace Luke Shaw
Even with his extensive injury history, Luke Shaw has been one of the longest-serving players at Man United in the last 10 years. The left-back, no matter the manager, has always been a feature.
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The next Kobbie Mainoo has already agreed to sign for Man Utd in 2026
Manchester United have agreed a deal to land their next midfield sensation.
At 30 years old, however, those at Old Trafford would be wise to welcome a long-term replacement in the form of Brown this summer, having completed a scouting mission.
The Frankfurt man has been in excellent form in Germany and has done enough to become a man in-demand across European football at a €55m (£48m) price tag.
League stats 25/26 Brown Shaw
Minutes 2,027 2,626
Tackles 60 60
Recoveries 87 88
Assists 4 1
Clean Sheets 6 3
Duel Success 53.6% 53.1%
It's easy to see why Man United have identified Brown as a long-term replacement for Shaw. His numbers have been incredibly similar to the England international's this season, albeit with better attacking numbers.
Dubbed "exciting" by Como scout Ben Mattinson, Brown has the decision of his career to make this summer if Real Madrid, Man United and others come calling.