Man Utd "interested" in signing 26yo midfielder dazzling at Napoli, not McTominay - report

Manchester United have been credited with an interest in signing Napoli midfielder Eljif Elmas during the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils are planning for a busy summer ahead. There could be multiple changes in the midfield department before next season.

Casemiro is already confirmed to leave when his contract expires this summer.

Manuel Ugarte could also push for a fresh challenge. The Uruguayan has played second fiddle to Casemiro for most of the ongoing campaign.

Amidst this, Tuttomercatoweb claim that the Red Devils are ‘interested’ in pursuing a deal for Elmas, who rejoined Napoli from Leipzig on loan last summer.

The Serie A giants have the option to purchase him for around £14 million, and it is hinted that Napoli could seek to sanction his sale thereafter for a profit.

Elmas would be a good rotational player at United

One of Elmas’ big strengths is his versatility. The North Macedonia international can operate anywhere in midfield and has also played several times on either wing.

The 26-year-old has been impressive since his return to Naples this term. He has already made 36 appearances for the Serie A giants with 61 minutes per game.

He has chipped in with four goal contributions, but his main highlight has been his distribution and consistency from the heart of the midfield under manager Antonio Conte.

Elmas has completed 89 percent of his passes in the Italian top-flight this campaign. He has been effective with the ball, losing possession fewer than six times per outing.

In our view, the midfielder may not be a regular starter if he were to join United. The Red Devils are likely to make a marquee addition to replace Casemiro at the end of the campaign.

Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson appears a front-runner for the position. Elmas could be seen as a back-up for the marquee signing and Kobbie Mainoo in midfield next season.

The big question remains whether Napoli would decide to cash in after re-signing him permanently from Leipzig. If they open the door, a £25m package could persuade them to sell.

United have a good working relationship with Napoli, having previously sold Scott McTominay to them. It is left to be seen whether the Red Devils make an approach for Elmas this summer.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .