Manchester United's search for a midfielder has taken a fresh twist after INEOS sent Old Trafford officials to make in-person checks on AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit.
Man Utd plotting at least two midfield signings
It's no secret that the Red Devils are looking to rebuild their midfield this summer. 12 months on from an impressive attacking revamp, INEOS have turned their focus towards repeating their transfer genius in the middle of the park with Fabrizio Romano revealing they will sign two new midfielders.
Of course, on that front, the two biggest names to have emerged on Man United's radar have been Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali. Man United haven't been afraid to shop locally in the last 12 months, welcoming Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha from Brentford and Wolves, and could do so again to boost their midfield.
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Both would be excellent additions this summer. Anderson, even as Nottingham Forest have found themselves in a relegation scrap, has been one of the most impressive midfielders in Europe out of possession - making more recoveries than any other player.
Tonali, meanwhile, is impressive in his own right and has become one of Man United's leading targets ahead of the summer. But there remains one problem. Man United aren't the only side interested in the duo.
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United need to strengthen their midfield this summer.
Competition from Arsenal and Manchester City could yet force the Red Devils to turn towards an alternative option, which is exactly why they've had scouts in place watching Smit.
Man Utd make in-person checks on Smit
As reported by Caught Offside, INEOS have sent Man United officials to make in-person checks on Smit after completing their scouting mission.
The 20-year-old midfielder is a wanted man across the Premier League, with Newcastle United, Liverpool and Chelsea all also in pursuit of his signature, and will cost up to €50m (£43m).
It should come as no shock that the Dutchman has the world at his feet, either. He's been excellent for AZ Alkmaar this season, recording 12 goal involvements and drawing comparisons with Premier League great Kevin De Bruyne.
As impressive as both Tonali and Anderson are, Smit is someone who's ready to step into the Premier League whilst still offering Man United a future star. He wouldn't steal the same headlines, but he would certainly be a shrewd acquisition.
Man Utd aiming for "more than" UCL qualification, says Holland
By the time that Man United return to action on Monday, Artemis II will have been to the moon and back. It has felt like an eternity for those at Old Trafford, but the visit of rivals Leeds United awaits and it's not just those swinging by the Moon who are aiming for the stars.
Steven Holland, Michael Carrick's assistant, revealed earlier this week that Man United are aiming for more than just Champions League football these days, telling reporters: "We’ve been speaking more to the players really about winning our matches, rather than thinking too much about what’s happening below.
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Man Utd's midfield solution could be a little closer to home.
"But clearly given the context, to finish in the Champions League places would be a good situation for us, but I think always we should be looking for more than that."