Manchester United are reportedly eyeing Athletic Bilbao midfielder Mikel Jauregizar after conceding defeat in their pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba.
Spanish outlet Fichajes.net reports that Jauregizar is on the shortlist of options to bolster Ruben Amorim's midfield before the transfer window closes on September 1. He's a player the Red Devils know well from their clashes with Athletic in the Europa League last season.
Jauregizar scored an outrageous strike at Old Trafford in United's semi-final second-leg win over the La Liga club. His stock has grown at San Mames and his versatility looks to have caught the eye of the transfer chiefs at Old Trafford.
Man Utd Set Sights On Jauregizar As Baleba Alternative
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Manchester United have decided against trying to sign Baleba this summer after learning of Brighton's 'not for sale' stance during club-to-club talks for the Cameroonian. They have gone back to the drawing board and examined alternatives, which include Jauregizar, who is likely to cost significantly less.
Liverpool were previously linked with the 21-year-old after missing out on Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal, and he has developed into one of Spanish football's most highly-rated midfield talents. The outlet above claims Athletic views him as one of their "big bets for the future".
Ben Mattinson claimed that the Spaniard was "a mix of Zubimendi and his new Gunners teammate Declan Rice". That indicates just how highly rated the player is, given that those two cost a joint £160m.
Jauregizar was a mainstay in Ernesto Valverde's side last season, registering three goals and as many assists in 48 games across competitions. He was key in midfield, but his impressive engine room allows him to take up different positions, including in defensive midfield.
United have previously done business with Athletic Club, bringing Ander Herrera (pictured below) to Old Trafford in 2014, and he became a fan favourite. There are similarities between the pair, as they are both Basque talents with astute reading of the game that blend well with high-energy profiles.
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Jauregizar has six years left on his current contract, which was signed in May this year, meaning there's no chance of a cut-price deal. But it was thought that no release clause was included, which could benefit the Red Devils, as Spanish clubs typically add hefty buy-out fees when securing a player's future.
Amorim stressed that he was "happy" with his players when asked whether he felt he was light in midfield ahead of the Arsenal game on Sunday (August 17). But the club's constant talks with Baleba's representatives suggest they are keen on adding a new holding midfielder.
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