Manchester United may need to completely rethink their midfield strategy before the transfer window reaches its decisive stages.
The Red Devils have been strongly chasing the signature of West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes.
The 21-year-old is open to a move to Old Trafford but INEOS are not willing to meet the staggering £80 million price tag.
Tottenham Hotspur have accelerated their pursuit of Fernandes and are reportedly willing to outbid United.
Fernandes has the potential to become an elite central midfielder but the current asking price feels excessive.
We believe INEOS should end negotiations with West Ham and instead target Aurelien Tchouameni and Adam Wharton.
Both players could offer greater long-term value while addressing different needs within the squad.
Real Madrid are open to listening to offers for the France superstar as they aim to create space in the squad to sign a creative midfielder.
The La Liga club are rebuilding their squad with manager Jose Mourinho and President Florentino Perez driving the change.
Madrid are also willing to selling Eduardo Camavinga but sources close to him have denied any possibility of an exit.
Tchouameni was also involved in a dressing room altercation with Federico Valverde.
Both of these factors could create an unexpected opportunity for United to strike.
Wharton represents a very different profile but could be equally important. The Crystal Palace star is known for his vision and ability to play line-breaking passes.
United have already been monitoring his development and should strongly consider formalising their interest.
Some supporters worry that Wharton and Kobbie Mainoo share similar qualities.
However, overlooking Wharton purely because of those similarities could prove to be a fatal mistake.
While the 22-year-old may not possess elite athleticism, pairing him with Tchouameni would help compensate for that weakness.
Games are won by scoring goals and having the young Englishman in the squad would make that easier for United.
Ederson is already expected to arrive at Old Trafford next month.
If United could secure Ederson, Tchouameni and Wharton alongside Mainoo, the club would suddenly possess one of the most exciting midfield groups in Europe.
Alex Scott and Carlos Baleba remain attractive alternatives. They could be good additions but the club must first prioritise Tchouameni and Wharton.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com