Manchester United are evidently monitoring the World Cup with keen interest if recent transfer speculation is any indication. The two latest names entering the rumour mill have both been performing impressively in North America this summer and might bring their talents to Old Trafford.
Midfield Priority
Michael Carrick's summer transfer activity has seen United linked with various squad positions. Yet one department that's consistently in the spotlight involves midfield, which appears to remain the top priority for the manager during his inaugural summer in charge. There's a fresh name emerging, though, who could end up playing alongside a very familiar face in the coming months.
United Rivalling Real for Nmecha
Germany's Felix Nmecha has been linked with a return to Manchester but could swap his old sky blue for red. An extensive midfield search has now reportedly brought United to the doors of Borussia Dortmund, though his services wouldn't come cheaply. Having narrowly missed out on a hat-trick during the emphatic 7-1 demolition of Curacao, Nmecha thrust himself firmly into the spotlight. United, however, appear to have done their homework on the player, having already been linked with a move as far back as February.
Nmecha, 25, is no stranger to these parts, having previously spent time in the academy ranks at Manchester City. Both he and elder brother Lukas departed for Wolfsburg in 2021, though box-to-box star Felix moved on again to Dortmund just two years later. Lukas stayed at Wolfsburg until last year when he made the switch to Leeds, playing a key role in helping the club secure Premier League survival last term. That family connection to the area could prove another compelling reason for a move back to Manchester.
Sky Germany reported the Black and Yellows will seek a fee in the region of £61m for their midfielder. While that's no small sum, it does appear to fall within United's budget and is considerably less daunting than the figures being quoted for other transfer targets. One potential stumbling block is said to be escalating interest from Real Madrid, with new boss Jose Mourinho reportedly a keen admirer of Nmecha. And the former United manager could yet come back to haunt his old club this summer if he manages to pip them to the highly-rated Germany international.
United Ramp Up Summerville Interest
Mateus Fernandes isn't the only West Ham player attracting interest from United. The Manchester Evening News understands Netherlands winger Crysencio Summerville has also caught the eye of decision-makers at Old Trafford. The Hammers reportedly need to generate approximately £120m through player sales this summer following their drop from the Premier League. Nevertheless, Summerville could deliver nearly half that sum on his own, with his club seeking around £50m for his services.
That could well be achievable for United, especially after the 24-year-old has displayed some impressive form at the World Cup. He netted his maiden international goal in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Japan, having gradually established himself as a prized asset at West Ham since arriving at the club from Leeds nearly two years ago. The east Londoners are poised to double their investment from the £25m they paid out to acquire Summerville.
Carrick's outfit were competing to capture Antoine Semenyo for that position in January but were beaten by rivals City. It now seems United are back searching for fresh reinforcement on the left flank and Summerville has yet to generate the same degree of rivalry. United have already warned West Ham they won't be held to ransom in their pursuit of Portugal midfielder Fernandes, who's valued at £80m. And they may be inclined to adopt the same firm approach in their attempts to lure Summerville.
