Manchester United are expected to be in the market for a big-money central midfielder during this summer's transfer window.
The Red Devils are in a strong position to return to the Champions League for the 2023-24 campaign, currently sitting third in the Premier League table, while the Europa League provides another avenue for the club to qualify for Europe's leading competition next term.
The size of Man United's transfer budget is currently unclear due to the uncertainty surrounding the ownership situation, but the club are set to be active in the upcoming market, with a new forward and central midfielder believed to be on head coach Erik ten Hag's wishlist.
With that in mind, Sports Mole picks out five players who could be targeted by the 20-time English champions at the end of the campaign.
Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)
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Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has said that Man United are still active when it comes to the Jude Bellingham situation despite being behind the likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid and Liverpool for his signature.
Dortmund remain hopeful of convincing the England international to sign a new contract, but it does appear that he will be on the move this summer for a deal that could surpass £100m.
The 19-year-old has been in excellent form for BVB this term, scoring 10 goals and registering six assists in 30 appearances in all competitions, while he has worn the captain's armband for the club this season.
Man United are currently down the pecking order when it comes to the Englishman, but if they could find a way to secure his signature ahead of the 2023-24 season, the club might have a player capable of starring in central midfield at Old Trafford for the next decade.
Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan)
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The speculation surrounding Nicolo Barella's future has gathered pace in recent days, with Man United head coach Ten Hag said to be a huge admirer of the Inter midfielder.
There have been suggestions that the Italy international could be available for around £70m this summer, which would make him a cheaper alternative to Bellingham.
The 26-year-old has been in strong form at club level this season, scoring six goals and registering seven assists in 31 appearances in all competitions.
Meanwhile, he has been capped on 42 occasions by his country, scoring eight times in the process.
Whether Man United make a serious attempt to sign the midfielder this summer remains to be seen, but his form for Inter over the last four seasons has allegedly led to a host of interest.
Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona)
Man United will not make another attempt to sign Frenkie de Jong unless they are confident that a deal is a real possibility, having spent much of last summer unsuccessfully pursuing the midfielder.
De Jong is believed to be at the top when it comes to Ten Hag's midfield shortlist, and there is again speculation surrounding the Netherlands international's future at Camp Nou.
The 25-year-old has made 30 appearances for Barcelona this season, scoring twice and providing one assist in the process, and he still has another three years left to run on his contract.
De Jong would have to make it clear that he is open to a move for a deal to become possible, and there is certainly a chance that Man United's form this season could have changed his mind over a switch to Old Trafford.
Declan Rice (West Ham United)
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Declan Rice is almost certain to be on the move during the summer transfer window, with the majority of the leading clubs in the Premier League linked with his signature.
The 24-year-old has again been a vital player for the Hammers this term, making 31 appearances in all competitions, contributing two goals and three assists in the process.
Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea are all believed to be considering making a move for the England international this summer, while a recent report claimed that Man United had a £100m offer for him turned down last year before bringing in Casemiro.
West Ham remain in a strong position when it comes to Rice, as they can activate another year on his contract to take him until June 2025, but the Hammers have had an underwhelming campaign and are facing the threat of being relegated from the Premier League.
Edson Alvarez (Ajax)
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Edson Alvarez is well-known to Ten Hag due to their time together at Ajax, while the 25-year-old was heavily linked with Chelsea during last summer's transfer window.
There was again talk in January that the Mexico international could move to Stamford Bridge, but he will finish the campaign in Amsterdam before a decision is made on his future.
Alvarez would arguably be the cheapest option on this list, but he has again been a vital player for Ajax this season, featuring on 31 occasions in all competitions, contributing two goals and two assists in the process.
The Mexican is largely a defensive midfielder, and the fact that he can also play in the middle of the defence could make him an even more attractive proposition for Man United.
Towards the end of last year, it was claimed that Ten Hag wanted a reunion with Alvarez, who has been with Ajax since 2019, representing the Dutch champions on 134 occasions in all competitions.
Matt Law
