Manchester United 'still interested in signing a defensive midfielder'

Manchester United are reportedly still interested in signing a defensive midfielder this summer despite their pursuit of Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong.

The 20-time English champions are believed to be close to securing De Jong's signature, while a deal for Feyenoord defender Tyrell Malacia is also said to be on the verge of going through.

Man United are also looking to sign Christian Eriksen on a free transfer, while a bid has reportedly been submitted to Ajax for Lisandro Martinez.

Dean Henderson's switch to Nottingham Forest will also see the Red Devils bring a new back-up goalkeeper to the club before the transfer window closes.

However, despite the recent developments, Man United remain interested in signing a defensive midfielder, according to the Manchester Evening News.

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Leicester City's Youri Tielemans continues to be linked with a switch to Old Trafford, and there is believed to be an interest in the Belgium international from senior figures at the club.

The 25-year-old was again an important player for the Foxes during the 2021-22 campaign, making 50 appearances in all competitions, contributing seven goals and five assists in the process.

The midfielder's contract at the King Power Stadium is due to expire next summer, though, and he is believed to be keen to leave Brendan Rodgers's side this summer in search of pastures new.

Arsenal and Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in Tielemans, while Wolverhampton Wanderers' Ruben Neves is another player to be strongly linked with a switch to Old Trafford.

Neves has two years left to run on his deal at Molineux but is also thought to be seeking an exit, with the 25-year-old also believed to be attracting the attention of Barcelona.

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The Portugal international made 36 appearances for Wolves during the 2021-22 campaign, contributing four goals and two assists in the process.

Man United have allowed both Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba to leave on free transfers this summer, but Donny van de Beek is back at the club after a loan spell at Everton.

Fred and Scott McTominay are also expected to remain at Old Trafford in the current market, but midfield was an area of weakness for the club during the 2021-22 season.

Jesse Lingard, Edinson Cavani, Juan Mata and Lee Grant have also departed Man United this summer, while the likes of Phil Jones, Eric Bailly, Alex Telles and Anthony Martial could be on their way out before the end of the transfer window, as new head coach Erik ten Hag prepares to overhaul the squad.