via Reuters
Manchester United are reportedly on a collision course with Aston Villa as they add another name to their midfield shortlist.
Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos became Michael Carrick's first two signings as permanent coach when they arrived earlier this summer. A third midfielder has been expected to join them at Old Trafford but the club have yet to make a concrete move for any of their targets.
With the new season just under three weeks away, United continue to explore the market for another midfielder to strengthen Carrick's squad. While Aurelien Tchouameni appears to be their dream signing, they might opt for a less expensive option.
Man Utd Eyeing Teun Koopmeiners
REUTERS/Ciro De Luca
United have already been linked with a Serie A midfielder as Manu Kone is on INEOS' radar following an impressive World Cup campaign. The AS Roma star is likely to cost less than Tchouameni and that might persuade the higher-ups to swoop.
They are, however, reportedly also eyeing Juventus' Teun Koopmeiners, and the Dutchman is available after falling down Luciano Spalletti's pecking order. Calciomercato reports that the Italians are demanding around £25 million (€30m) to sell the 28-year-old who has three years left on his contract.
The report also states that Juve could be open to a loan deal with an obligation to buy if certain objectives are achieved. A departure is looking increasingly likely and Old Trafford isn't the only possible destination for the experienced midfielder.
Villa are also interested as Unai Emery looks to continue rebuilding his midfield. He could be viewed as Tielemans' replacement if he does head to Villa Park.
Koopmeiners, described as a "special" player, has made a name for himself in Serie A, firstly impressing at Atalanta where he won the Europa League in 2024. He headed to Turin in the summer of 2024 but hasn't managed to replicate the heights of his time at Gewiss Stadium.
Koopmeiners Should Be A Last Resort For United
via Reuters
Koopmeiners, at his best, has been called 'one of the best midfielders in the world ' and has plenty of attributes that Carrick likes in a midfielder, with a playmaking profile that sees him calm and composed in possession while dictating play. He has a high footballing IQ and can come up with the odd goal or two.
That said, last season was a disappointing one for the Netherlands international, heavily criticised for a drop in form and inconsistency. He made 45 appearances across competitions, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks on vs West Ham
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks on vs West Ham
With Spalletti not fancying the Dutchman, it does seem odd for United to swoop for a player coming off the back of a poor campaign. The return of Douglas Luiz has jeopardised his game time at the Allianz Stadium.