Manchester United are still looking to improve their midfield despite making heavy investments in that area over the summer, with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen arriving to strengthen the middle of the park.
Erik ten Hag was determined to add quality in that area and United have needed that for years. The departures of several senior midfielders this year made it an urgent priority.
Despite the transfer window only closing roughly one month ago, it seems like United are already observing the state of play in the midfield market.
Earlier this week, it was reported by Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport that United had sent scouts over to Italy to watch Sassuolo midfielder Davide Frattesi.
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The young box-to-box star has taken Italian football by storm and after impressing domestically, it now looks like some of Europe’s elite clubs are monitoring the situation.
Now, there are further indications that United could be prepared to make a move for Frattesi. According to CalcioMercato, Italian giants AC Milan have now joined the race to sign Frattesi but will need to battle it out with the Old Trafford club.
The 23-year-old has four years remaining on his contract at Sassuolo and any deal to sign him won’t be cheap but with his status in Italy rapidly gaining momentum, United may have to act quickly before he goes elsewhere.
SN’s verdict…
Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are quality additions to the squad but they are not long-term options. Both players are 30 and United will need to replace them in the near future.
Frattesi has been tipped for a long career at the top of football but Italian stars usually tend to stay in the Serie A, even if some players have broken the mould.
Juventus are near-constant subscribers to the idea of signing all of the promising youngsters in Italy but their uncontrollable nosedive in recent years could offer United the opportunity to pounce.