- Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount is the number one transfer target for Manchester United this summer
- The Blues and United are however yet to agree on the transfer fee for a midfielder
- United has seen three bids for the England international rejected by Chelsea
Mason Mount transfer to Manchester United remains uncertain, as Chelsea has rejected three offers from the Red Devils for the midfielder. However, reports suggest that Manchester United is still hopeful of securing Mount’s signature. Despite their interest, Manchester United is determined not to overpay for the 24-year-old. If they are unable to secure their primary target, Erik ten Hag’s preferred choice, they may explore alternative options. Manchester United will be looking for a creative and adaptable playmaker with a goal-scoring instinct.
Here are a few potential alternatives they could consider.
James Maddison
Mason Mount and James Maddison have often been compared for their versatility, productivity, and rivalry for an England spot. However, Manchester United faces obstacles in their pursuit of either player.
Leicester City is demanding £60 million for Maddison, slightly lower than Chelsea’s asking price for Mount. This raises questions about United’s valuation of Maddison.
If Maddison remains at Leicester as the transfer window progresses, his price tag may decrease, potentially benefiting United.
Considering alternatives to Mount and Maddison becomes necessary if negotiations prove challenging. United seeks a flexible playmaker with goal-scoring ability.
Manchester United has seen three bids for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount rejected by the Blues. Mount is the number one transfer target for Manchester United this summer. | PHOTO: GOAL |
READ: Chelsea reject third Mason Mount bid from Manchester United
Identifying suitable alternatives is crucial for United to strengthen their midfield options. Careful evaluation is required to find players who fit the desired profile.
United must assess their options, evaluate their targets’ value, and make calculated decisions to strengthen the squad.
Exploring alternatives could lead United to discover an equally talented playmaker who contributes to their success.
Eberechi Eze
Maddison may not offer the same reliability in a deeper position as Mount does, but Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, who recently earned his first senior international call-up for England, has displayed versatility as a roaming midfielder during the previous season.
Eze possesses a similar profile to Mount, aligning with the type of player desired by Erik ten Hag. Although he may lack Mount’s experience, Eze’s vibrant energy, boldness, and flair would be valued at Old Trafford.
Mohammed Kudus
In their quest to find an alternative option that offers similar attacking attributes to Mount, Manchester United could consider pursuing a transfer for Ten Hag’s former protégé, Kudus.
Earlier this year, reports emerged suggesting that the Red Devils were considering a move for the Ghanaian player to address their striker concerns. However, Kudus is also adept at playing in advanced midfield positions and on the wing.
Recent speculation has linked him strongly with a potential move to Brighton. Therefore, if Manchester United wishes to revive their interest in Kudus, they will need to act swiftly.
Xavi Simons
Xavi Simons, another promising talent from the Eredivisie, has demonstrated his versatility across the front line and as an attacking midfielder during an impressive breakout season with PSV Eindhoven.
Similar to the case with Kudus, signing Simons would serve as a potential replacement for Mount’s offensive contributions. If Ten Hag desires to showcase his coaching prowess by transforming Simons into a deeper-lying midfielder, it could be a challenge that he welcomes, drawing parallels to the successful transition of Christian Eriksen.
However, Manchester United may encounter obstacles in the form of competition from other clubs, as there are reports suggesting that PSG is considering activating a discounted buy-back clause for Simons.
Pedro Goncalves
If Manchester United prefers a player who is adept at playing as a number eight, rather than solely in the number ten or wide positions, Pedro Goncalves from Sporting CP could be an ideal choice.
Interestingly, Goncalves was initially signed by Sporting as a future replacement for Bruno Fernandes. He has seamlessly taken on that role.
Having concluded the 2022/23 season with an impressive tally of 20 goals and 15 assists in 51 club appearances, Goncalves has proven to be a prolific contributor on the field. Despite flying under the radar, he should be considered a strong candidate by many teams.
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