Manchester United are looking to strengthen their midfield this summer and have been told it will cost a whopping sum to sign the World Cup star, who is also wanted by Liverpool and Arsenal.
Michael Carrick faces a busy transfer window
The opening of the summer transfer window has focused on Manchester United’s midfield targets, an area of the squad that Michael Carrick will be keen to strengthen after witnessing Casemiro’s departure from the club.
United are reportedly keen to sign at least two central midfielders this summer. United sealed a deal for Atalanta’s Ederson ahead of his last-minute call-up to Brazil, but more signings will be needed as the club prepares to return to the Champions League.
The Red Devils have previously shown interest in Nottingham Forest player Elliot Anderson and West Ham star Matheus Fernandes, who have since completed their respective transfers to Manchester City and Tottenham. United are also among several clubs linked with Lille prospect Ayoub Bouaddi following his outstanding performances at the World Cup. Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – MARCH 20: Manchester United manager Michael Carrick during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Manchester United at the Vitality Stadium on March 20, 2026 in Bournemouth, UK. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
JOIN US ON FB! For all the best sports news and more, visit our Facebook page.
The head of the club provided updated information to Ayoub Bouaddi
Lille President Olivier Letang has revealed the club’s position on the future of Ayoub Bouaddi, reports the Mirror.
The 18-year-old midfielder’s recent performances for Morocco have reportedly attracted interest from United as well as Premier League rivals Liverpool and Arsenal.
“A lot of clubs are interested in him, but very few can afford him now,” Letang told Eurosport of Buaddi. “He is already one of the best midfielders in the world and he still has room for improvement.”
Ayoub Bouaddi has been linked with Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal (Image: Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)
When asked about the club’s valuation, the Lille president refused to give a specific figure, but referred to Anderson’s £116 million price tag and highlighted Sandro Tonali’s offer of a £100 million move to Spurs, suggesting Bouaddi could even be worth as much as £120 million.
The head of Lille noted that any interested party would have to pay a huge sum to obtain the teenager’s signature.
“You have to look at his level,” Letang explained. “How much players like (Elliot) Anderson or (Sandro) Tonali, who are much older but with no room for improvement, were sold for, so you have an idea of the value of Ayub, who has a unique profile at just 18 years old.”
New £50m target introduced
Andrei Santos has been linked with a move away from Chelsea (Image: Getty Images)
United are reportedly pursuing Chelsea star Andrei Santos as part of the club’s mission to bolster its midfield options.
The Brazilian is said to want to leave the Blues in order to achieve consistent playing time. The Guardian reports that United have begun monitoring Santos after they failed to sign Anderson and Fernandes.
Chelsea value the 22-year-old at around £50 million despite being below Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in the club’s pecking order.
Chelsea need funds to support new coach Xabi Alonso’s ambitions in the transfer market. Santos joined Chelsea in 2023 and appeared in 27 league games last season, starting 13 times.