Manchester United are reportedly closing in on the signing of Ajax star Donny van de Beek as they look to further bolster their central-midfield options.
After a frustrating summer transfer window to date, the Red Devils are expected to get a deal over the line for the Dutchman in the next few days.
Ajax chief Edwin van der Saar confirmed in June that Man Utd were big admirers of Van de Beek, while Real Madrid also made a move prior to the coronavirus pandemic.
As well as providing United with some added experience in midfield, despite being just 23 years old, the Netherlands international's versatility could also come in handy.
Here, Sports Mole looks at how United could line up with Van de Beek in their ranks this coming season.
Van de Beek has been used in a more advanced midfield role in recent times, registering eight goals and five assists from that position in the Eredivise last season.
Given his £40m price tag, the Dutchman is surely being signed to bolster Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's starting lineup, rather than being used as a back-up option.
A midfield three of Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and Van de Beek would ensure that Solskjaer has his three most talented midfielders on the pitch at the same time.
However, that would mean sacrificing a holder in the mould of Nemanja Matic, so another alternative would be to drop Pogba and use Van de Beek and Fernandes together in an advanced position.
United often struggled to break down deep defences last season, meaning that Solskjaer will likely go with this combination - Pogba, Fernandes and Van de Beek - in games against teams outside of the top six.
Daniel Lewis
