Man Utd quoted £53m to sign midfielder, who is very similar to Pedri - report

Manchester United are likely to bolster their midfield department with a couple of signings.

The Red Devils primarily focused on reinforcing their forward options last summer.

They brought in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko to compensate for the departures of Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Marcus Rashford (loan) & Jadon Sancho (loan).

Alongside the trio, goalkeeper Senne Lammens and defender Diego Leon were signed. Lammens has recently established himself as the number one between the sticks for United.

United are eyeing two big midfield signings next year, and The Athletic claim the club are closely monitoring the progress of highly rated AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit.

AZ have no plans of parting ways with the Dutch wonderkid in January, but they could be prepared to sell him for £53 million next summer. There is no release clause in his contract.

United could make a summer swoop for Smit

The 19-year-old has had a fine campaign for AZ, registering two goals and four assists from 21 appearances across all competitions.

He has completed 89 percent of his passes in the Eredivisie with 6.1 recoveries and 1.3 tackles per game. The youngster has likewise won an average of four duels.

Smit can operate in multiple midfield positions, but he seems more comfortable in the number eight role.

United have their sights on landing Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson for the number six position, but have not ruled out bringing in an attack-minded profile.

Smit would be an ideal fit. He has a similar profile to Barcelona sensation Pedri, as per manager Ronald Koeman. He has superb positional sense and can pass with either foot.

The price tag may be steep for a teenager, but United could get their hands on a future midfield star.

They will need to be proactive in their pursuit, with Newcastle United, Barcelona and Real Madrid among the admirers of Smit, who is on the shortlist to make the Netherlands’ World Cup squad.

The Red Devils may need to sort out a transfer deal before the global tournament in North America, as AZ could easily raise his valuation if he were to make a huge impression for his country.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .