Manchester United are now reportedly preparing a shock £80m+ offer to sign an impressive La Liga midfielder.
Man Utd preparing £80m+ move to sign La Liga star
Despite all their cost-cutting measures, INEOS spent big on reinforcements at Man United last summer. They revived the Red Devils' frontline with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, who have all shown various signs of life in another tough campaign at Old Trafford.
Now, INEOS must be prepared to spend big once again when the summer arrives. First, they must welcome a permanent new manager when Michael Carrick's interim spell comes to an end. That could see moves advance for the likes of Roberto De Zerbi and Thomas Tuchel, who are both reported targets.
Then INEOS must shift their focus towards rebuilding Man United's midfield. It has been their area of weakness all season, with the likes of Manuel Ugarte far from impressing in the middle of the park.
Recent rumours suggest that will be the focus for the Red Devils when the summer window swings open, with Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton emerging as reported targets.
Elliot Anderson for Nottingham Forest-1
The Nottingham Forest man would be a particularly impressive signing. He excels both in and out of possession and Tuchel is already a fan of his work, having handed him his first senior England call-up earlier this season.
The deal won't come cheap and it's also worth noting that Anderson is not the only name on United's reported shortlist. According to reports in Spain, Man United are now preparing an offer to sign Pablo Barrios worth €100m (£87m).
The Atletico Madrid midfielder is impressive in his own right and could quickly become an ideal alternative to the in-demand Anderson.
£87m Barrios would end Ugarte's Man Utd career
It almost goes without saying that Barrios would be an upgrade on Ugarte. The Atletico Madrid man has become a key player under Diego Simeone, starting 16 of his side's 19 La Liga games this season.
Dubebd Andres "Iniesta -esque" by talent scout Jacek Kulig in 2024, Barrios has only improved ever since. For £87m, Man United would be landing a transformative signing for their next manager.
Whether they can lure such a talent to Old Trafford is the big question. As things stand, Man United are on course to miss out on Champions League qualification and the question must be asked; Is Barrios willing to compete outside of Europe's elite competition?
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He knows Carrick well...
Cunha, Sesko and Mbeumo were last summer. The Old Trafford stage was big enough to ignore the club's recent failure last year and Barrios may yet follow suit.
The 22-year-old is an increasingly impressive talent, who is destined to get even better in years to come.