Manchester United are preparing to step up their pursuit of Kobbie Mainoo's replacement. The young midfielder has made his intentions clear by telling the Red Devils that he wants to leave the club in the January window.
Mainoo is yet to start a Premier League game this season and, as a result, will be looking for a move away in the hope of reigniting his career away from Manchester.
With the 20-year-old's exit all-but guaranteed, Man United will now need to step up their transfer efforts to sign his replacement and ensure that Ruben Amorim's side have the required depth needed to thrive in central midfield.
Man United Step Up Christos PursuitMouzakitis
The Red Devils' are looking for a central midfielder and have tabled a bid worth £24.4m to sign Olympiacos star Christos Mouzakitis, according to Sportime Greece.
Mouzakitis, who has been described as a 'little Iniesta', is a key player for Olympiacos and attracted plenty of plaudits for his performance against Real Madrid in he Champions League last month. As a result, Los Blancos and the Red Devils are keen to sign him.
Just 18 years of age, it's claimed that both Man United and Real Madrid have tabled offers for the player, with the Spanish giant's offer said to be higher than the Red Devils, but still lower than the Greek side's valuation of £35million.
Amorim Must Go All Out To Sign Ideal Replacement
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim looks worried
Mouzakitis might be an unknown quantity to fans in the Premier League but the Red Devils must ensure that they sign the player.
With Mainoo's decision clearly made over what is next for him, it's essential that Manchester United are proactive to sign a player who can come in and offer the team what Amorim needs.
The Portuguese boss is looking for a more attack-minded midifelder than Mainoo and in Mouzakitis, they have identified a player who can offer exactly that.
If the 18-year-old is to replace Mainoo, it's important that he arrives as a player who can make an immediate impact while also leaving supporters excited to see him in action. The central midfielder will certainly add creativity and a goal threat to the side.
With Real Madrid also interested, Man United have a big task to convince him to move to Old Trafford, but with first team football surely on offer, they could find themselves with the edge.
Mouzakitis Related
Man Utd Keen on Christos Mouzakitis - Brighton Want Him to Replace Carlos Baleba
Manchester United face competition from Brighton to sign Olympiacos youngster Christos Mouzakitis ahead of the January transfer window.