After dispatching scouts, INEOS are now hoping to overcome the threat of Real Madrid to sign a Bundesliga midfielder for Manchester United this summer.
Man Utd join race to sign Bundesliga midfielder
It's going to be a busy summer at Old Trafford. Unless it is Michael Carrick who receives the job on a permanent basis, then INEOS will be on the hunt for their new, long-term manager all whilst seeking reinforcements on the pitch.
On the managerial front, although it is becoming more and more difficult to look past Carrick, the Red Devils have several potential options on their shortlist.
Niko Kovac is one of those names amid the solid job that he's currently doing at Borussia Dortmund. The 54-year-old has interest from both those at Old Trafford and at Tottenham Hotspur, sparking a potential summer battle between two sides who must not get their next appointment wrong.
niko-kovac
Meanwhile, Roberto De Zerbi has also threatened to steal the headlines ever since his tenure at Marseille came to an end at the beginning of February.
The Italian still has an impressive reputation in English football following the job that did at Brighton & Hove Albion, taking the Seagulls into European football for the first time in their history.
De Zerbi Brighton record
Games 89
Wins 38
Draws 20
Defeats 31
Points Per Game 1.51
Whoever does arrive could have the boost of Champions League football to work with, and that would go a long way towards attracting summer additions.
To that end, reports have claimed that Man United are interested in signing Real Madrid's Federico Valverde in what would be a blockbuster move.
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In one window, the Red Devils would be bidding farewell to Casemiro and welcoming the ultimate upgrade. But, even then, INEOS could have the chance to deal Madrid another blow.
According to TeamTalk, Man United are now plotting a move to sign Chema Andres from Stuttgart and could sneak in ahead of Real Madrid if the Spanish giants want to activate their buy-back clause.
"Brilliant" Andres is one to watch
INEOS should be well aware of the threat that Madrid pose in the race to sign Andres. They sanctioned his departure to Stuttgart last year, but didn't do so without including a buy-back option worth just £10m - likely a fraction of the price that Man United could have to pay this summer.
Dubbed "brilliant" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, it's easy to see why Man United are interested in the 20-year-old midfielder and why those at the Bernabeu included that buy-back option.
25/26 League Stats Chema Andres Kobbie Mainoo
Minutes 865 767
Tackles 22 18
Recoveries 58 39
Dispossessed 3 16
In Andres, Man United would arguably have the perfect partner for Kobbie Mainoo. Whilst the England international is more progressive in possession, taking more risks, Andres is rarely dispossessed. The former Real Madrid man isn't exactly flashy, but he wouldn't need to be next to Mainoo.
At 20 years old and with growing interest in his signature, Andres is one to watch this summer.