Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Exequiel Palacios during the summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old has been a regular figure for Xabi Alonso's men in the German top flight so far, playing 17 Bundesliga matches and providing six goal contributions.
Palacios is part of a Leverkusen side who are currently eight points clear of second-placed Bayern Munich in the top-flight title race this season.
The former River Plate man also possesses considerable international pedigree, having formed part of the Argentina team which lifted the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
According to Sport BILD via Fichajes, Manchester United are keen on securing the services of Palacios during the upcoming summer transfer window.
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The Red Devils strengthened their engine room ahead of the current campaign, recruiting Morocco international Sofyan Amrabat from Serie A side Fiorentina.
Due to a mixture of injury and form, the midfielder has only managed seven Premier League starts for United, with academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo catching the eye in midfield instead.
The report claims that Erik ten Hag's side face competition in the race for Palacios's signature from two fellow English sides: Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
Unai Emery's side are said to be in the market for a new midfielder with Douglas Luiz's future in the Second City unclear, amid interest from Arsenal in the Brazilian.
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The Magpies could be losing the talents of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton in their engine room during the summer, whilst Sandro Tonali is serving a ban for breaching betting rules.
It is understood that Leverkusen are reluctant to lose a key member of their first-team squad at the conclusion of the season and would demand €40m (£34.2m) for his services.
Since securing a switch from River Plate to the BayArena in December 2019, Palacios has featured 108 for Leverkusen across all competitions, scoring 13 goals.
Looking to extend their unbeaten streak in the Bundesliga to 23 matches, Alonso's side will host Mainz in the top flight on Friday night.
Carter White
