Juventus face competition from Manchester United as Atalanta plan for midfielder’s exit

BERGAMO, ITALY - JANUARY 15: Teun Koopmeiners of Atalanta BC is challenged by Luca Mazzitelli of Frosinone Calcio during the Serie A TIM match between Atalanta BC and Frosinone Calcio - Serie A TIM at Gewiss Stadium on January 15, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)

Manchester United have been quietly linked with a move for Atalanta star Teun Koopmeiners.

The 25-year-old defensive midfielder is valued at €60 million after establishing himself as one of Gian Piero Gasperini’s key players. It is believed that Koopmeiners’ performances this season have led to widespread interest from other clubs.

A fresh report from Italian publication Tuttosport links both Juventus and United as interested parties and also provides Atalanta’s stance on his potential exit in the summer. It is suggested that the Serie A outfit are planning to sign two new midfielders to replace Koopmeiners, who they value at €60m.

The Netherlands international is one to keep an eye on, especially when we can expect United to be in the market for a new defensive midfielder. Casemiro isn’t getting any younger and I don’t think anyone would be surprised if he moved to a new club in the summer – granted we receive an acceptable offer.

It goes without saying that Kobbie Mainoo is earning his own spot in the team, but I still there is room for a defensive-minded midfielder in the team, especially if we lose Casemiro.

While the report focuses on Juventus’ interest in Koopmeiners, they carefully state that the Italian giants won’t find it easy to acquire his signature because of the ‘dangerous competition’ they face from United. That would suggest that United have identified the Dutch midfielder as a prime target – but none of the newspapers in the UK have ran any big stories about him coming to Old Trafford just yet.

United need a new defensive midfielder ahead of the next season, though it may take some time before INEOS get everything together to drive their new recruitment strategy at the club.

As fans we are simply hoping for the best.

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