Manchester United are reportedly willing to part with £51m to land Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopeminers.
The Dutchman has been linked with a Premier League move in recent weeks, most notably Liverpool having previously worked under new head coach Arne Slot. United could see several exits in midfield this summer and would need restocking.
Kobbie Mainoo is the only midfielder exempt from a sale with Casemiro is widely tipped to leave and Donny van de Beek due to exit after his failed loan spell at Frankfurt during the second half of the season. Christian Eriksen, 32, may also depart with a year left on his deal, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to be ruthless in his summer transfer dealings.
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United not only supposedly have competition for the signature of Koopmeiners from Liverpool, but also are said to have Juventus to contend with.
However, Calciomercato claims United are willing to take a plunge on the 26-year-old and table a bid of around £51m (€60m) for the playmaker, who is set to feature for the Netherlands at this summer’s European Championships. Discussions could be slowed by his participation in the tournament.
Meanwhile, L’Equipe says Aston Villa are ready to battle United for the signature of OGC Nice centre-half Jean-Clair Todibo. United are hoping to recruit two new centre-backs this summer, and have just been given more clarity over Jarrad Branthwaite’s price tag.
The Everton defender and Bayer Leverkusen star Edmond Tapsoba are on the club’s radar, while Todibo has been frequently linked due to his connection with Ratcliffe, who has owned Nice through Ineos since 2019. Todibo had a trial with United over a decade ago.
Villa are expected to use the carrot of Champions League football to beat Europa League participants United to Todibo, who was evasive when asked about his future last month. He said: “Honestly I don’t want to talk about [my future] because of my respect for the fans here and the club also.
“But we had a little discussion, for sure. My ambition is to play in the best competitions in the world and try to be the best version of me.”