Manchester United are looking to build up on their relationship with Real Madrid after Casemiro’s acquisition for a staggering £70 million this summer. The Red Devils are going to be pro-active every transfer window now under Erik ten Hag who has demanded a total overhaul in some positions at the club. So much so that the club is even ready to let go Cristiano Ronaldo in the upcoming January transfer window as Ten Hag eyes a new, young forward upfront to accompany the 25-year-old Marcus Rashford.
For now however, United want Real’s on loan attacking midfielder Brahim Diaz according to El Nacional. Diaz, who is currently on loan at AC Milan has caught the attention of the Red Devils who want him in their ranks. The 23-year-old’s loan spell at the Italian side ends next summer, after which United want to acquire his services. However, they already face stern competition from his parent club Real Madrid and Milan as well who want to make his deal permanent.
Ten Hag wants more options in central area at Manchester United
Manchester United have endured a mix start to the new season, as they have at times been roaring under Ten Hag’s system, whereas the other times been utterly sluggish. However, with 7 wins from 12 league games United are well placed fifth in the table, a point behind fourth placed Newcastle United who have also played a game more. The Red Devils’ sights are firmly set on a top-four finish now, as Ten Hag further wants reinforcements to develop up a solid squad depth.
The 20-time Premier League winners currently have Christian Eriksen as their only option in the central attacking midfield, and Ten Hag eyes a new player there. Eriksen joined United this summer as a free agent and has had a brilliant impact on the team. With 5 league assists in 11 games, the Dane has made himself an undroppable player at Old Trafford. But at 30-years-old, and a heart issue, Ten Hag feels Eriksen needs a proper back-up and that a younger one as well.
Diaz is a player of same profile as Eriksen, if not the experience and talent. He still has had a massive surge in his progress at Milan, as he is in his second season on loan at San Siro. Joining the Rossoneris in the summer of 2020, the Spaniard has so far racked a significant 93 appearances for them in all competitions, netting 15 goals and providing 9 assists, of which 5 goal involvements [ 4 goals and 1 assist] have come this season. He has also been an instrumental part of this Mila team which won the Scudetto last season, their first since 2010/11.
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No wonder Milan have already contacted Real for a permanent move of the youngster. However, Real had invested £16 million in Diaz’s signing from United’s fierce rivals Manchester City in the winter market of 2019. As per reports in Spain, the Los Blancos’ president Florentino Perez is keen to make Diaz a ‘Galactico’ in the years to come and as a result hasn’t been negotiating his permanent exit despite receiving a number of offers.
Manchester United are hoping to change the same, as El Nacional adds the Red Devils have prepared a £47 million bid for Real’s on loan attacker. United’s recruitment team feels the bid could be enough to convince the reigning European champions into selling one of their future assets. However, a potential deal could depend on the player as well, who after having a Man City background won’t want to spoil his relations with the Blue part of the city.
Diaz had joined the City academy in 2014 from Malaga’s, making his way to the first-team through plying the trade for Under-18s and Under-23s. The playmaker did make 15 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s team, but however couldn’t crack a regular place given the enormous competition from the likes of David Silva, Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva. He left for Real Madrid in search of more opportunities, but has found them at Milan, where he himself has confessed would love to stay, which could make things difficult for one of his suitors Manchester United.