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Manchester United are plotting an ambitious summer move for Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde, after reportedly submitting a £58m bid.
The Red Devils brought in Eriksen and Casemiro to reinforce their midfield last summer, as well as bringing in Marcel Sabitzer on loan for the rest of the season.
But now, Erik ten Hag is eyeing Valverde, who arguably has the quality to take United up to another level next season.
This is according to Spanish outlet Nacional, who state that Man Utd have submitted a £58m bid for the Uruguayan international, who has struggled for form recently.
Last season, Valverde played a starring role in Madrid’s title win, making 49 appearances across all competitions. He also set up the winning goal of the Champions League final against Liverpool.
TeamtalkThis season, in 20 LaLiga outings under Ancelotti, the 24-year-old has scored six goals and made two assists.
However, after enjoying a fantastic start, his form following the World Cup has dipped dramatically, failing to create or score a single goal in his last eight games.
But, this has not deterred United or Ten Hag, who is thought to be a big fan of the midfielder, hence the decision to make the £58m bid, if the reports are to be believed.
Valverde could make United unstoppable
The 47-capped Uruguay international can press effectively, break up play, make effective runs into the box and can strike the ball powerfully with either foot.
Since joining Madrid in 2018, Valverde has scored 15 goals and made 12 assists in 180 matches across all competitions.
He has also played a key role in helping his team to lift two LaLiga titles, a Champions League, a FIFA Club World Cup, a UEFA Super Cup and two Spanish Super Cups.
With that in mind, the midfielder could help bring a winning mentality to United’s dressing room as Ten Hag aims to turn them into serial-trophy winners once again.
Indeed, while Eriksen and Casemiro are excellent players, they are both already 30, while Valverde could be a more long-term option for the Dutch manager.
Last summer, Liverpool reportedly saw an £80.4m bid rejected for Valverde, so it’s possible that they could also go back in for the midfielder.
However, it is believed that Jurgen Klopp has made signing Borussia Dortmund Jude Bellingham his top priority, so it seems unlikely they’d be able to afford both players.
This leaves United as the most likely contender to seal a deal for Valverde, but only if Real Madrid do choose to sell him.
While he is currently struggling for form, Ancelotti is well aware of the quality he has, so it seems unlikely that he will let him leave for just £58m.
The Uruguayan’s current deal at the Bernabeu is valid until 2027, so they are under absolutely no pressure to sell. With that in mind, a bid closer to £100m is more likely to be required.
Source:Team Talk