Federico Valverde has emerged as a shock target for Manchester United after clashing with Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso. The Uruguayan midfielder is one of several players who haven't taken well to Alonso's coaching methods.
United's midfield has been a problem area for Amorim, as he's relied on the veteran duo of Casemiro, 33, and Bruno Fernandes, 31, with both players' futures possibly lying away from Old Trafford after this season. The Reds have already been linked with a new holding midfielder, having made an approach for Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba in the summer.
Valverde's potential availability looks to have put the Premier League giants on high alert, as he could be an excellent acquisition for Amorim. His versatility has seen him play in most midfield positions at the Santiago Bernabéu, and he can even play as a makeshift right-back.
Man Utd Eyeing Real Madrid's Valverde
Federico Valverde celebrating scoring in the Club World Cup
It's claimed that Valverde's future is in "serious doubt" after a "bust-up" with Alonso and that he's now considering departing the Spanish capital, per The Mirror. United are one of several clubs keeping tabs on the situation as Amorim continues to overhaul the squad at Old Trafford.
One major issue is that Madrid are thought to be demanding £100 million to sell the 27-year-old, who will still have three years on his contract come next summer. But a frosty relationship with Alonso could help aid a potential pursuit, with United's transfer chiefs valuing him at £70 million.
Valverde has been a regular under Alonso, appearing 17 times across competitions and providing four assists. But he may feel that the star role handed him by Carlo Ancelotti is diminishing under the Spaniard, who is also at loggerheads with Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior and five others.
Why Valverde Suits Amorim's United
Federico Valverde Real Madrid
Amorim loves workhorses who cover every blade of grass while pressing the opposition, and those are Valverde's main playing attributes. He is energy personified, a box-to-box midfielder who is just as skilled defensively as he is going forward with the ball and picking a man out with an inch-perfect cross.
Valverde, whom Luis Suarez once compared to Steven Gerrard, could be the midfield engine room that Amorim is crying out for. Once the Portuguese coach finally realises Kobbie Mainoo should be a regular on his teamsheet, a midfield pairing of the duo could take his vision for the team to the next level.
Kobbie Mainoo
The Uruguayan also has crucial experience and is a winner, having won two Champions League trophies and several other major trophies at Madrid. He'd have the mental strength to take on the challenge of a move to Old Trafford.
Valverde Can Be Star of United's Show
Uruguay's Federico Valverde
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Group H - Uruguay v South Korea - Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar - November 24, 2022 Uruguay's Federico Valverde in action REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
Valverde, under Ancelotti, had been earning shouts as one of the best playmakers in world football. His star has somewhat faded over the past year, with Barcelona starlets Pedri and Gavi shining brighter.
The chance to reclaim his status among the best midfield talents in the world could be an enticing aspect of a move to United and to try out a new challenge in the Premier League. He has been linked with a move to England before with suggestions of a possible switch to Liverpool or Chelsea.
But the chance to be a catalyst behind awakening a sleeping giant of European football is surely an interesting option. The Red Devils signed his former Madrid teammate Casemiro back in 2022 and the pair hold a strong connection from their time at the Bernabeu.