MANCHESTER UNITED scouts are set to make one final trip to France to look at Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare before deciding whether to make a bid.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to rebuild the United squad who have struggled ever since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013.
Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are among the long list of clubs chasing Lille midfielder Boubakary SoumareCredit: EPA
The United boss has a long-term plan as he build the squads he wants as he looks to take club back into the top four and challenging for silverware.
United’s midfield has been criticised in recent seasons and Solskjaer is keen to bolster that with the potential signing of Soumare.
Soumare has made 17 appearances in Ligue 1 so far this season and has played in all six of Lille’s Champions League group stage games.
The Frenchman isn’t the only midfielder that has been linked with a move to Old Trafford this month.
According to reports, Bruno Fernandes is close to joining up with Solskjaer’s side.
Fernandes, 25, has been linked with a £51million deal to bolster the midfield with Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay currently injured.
United and Spurs have both been watching the 20-year-old closely throughout this season as they weigh up whether to make a move this month.
But reports in L’Equipe suggest Lille have already received six offers for the young Frenchman as the battle hots up for his signature.
Soumare was targeted by Wolves last summer but the Midlands club saw a £34million offer knocked back.
Lille value the midfielder at around £50million and at the age of 20, he fits the criteria for United as they look to avoid signing players approaching 30.
Solskjaer’s side have been lacking creativity in the centre of the pitch, with Jesse Lingard failing to register a goal or assist in the whole of 2019.
United bounced back from their midweek defeat to Manchester City with a 4-0 win over Norwich yesterday which eased the pressure slightly on Solskjaer.
Should Soumare or Fernandes complete a deal this window, it could see Nemanja Matic depart with Chicago Fire interested in the Serbian.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer dodges Bruno Fernandes question, telling reporter he has ‘the backing’ to ‘do something if the right player comes up’
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
