Manchester United face an important end to the summer transfer window, with the clock ticking for Michael Carrick's side to complete their business before Tuesday's deadline.
United entered the summer intending to rebuild their midfield. The arrivals of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba, combined with Kobbie Mainoo's resurgence last season, mean there is now formidable competition for places.
Left-back and striker targets
Other areas of the team could be strengthened ahead of a gruelling campaign, as United look to compete across multiple competitions. The club are searching for a new left-back, given Luke Shaw is the only experienced option within Carrick's squad.
A striker to help lessen the load on Benjamin Sesko could also prove vital, despite both Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo's versatility across the frontline. Meanwhile, several fringe players may also be moved on as United look to streamline their squad.
Alejandro Balde and Joshua Zirkzee
While United initially targeted Newcastle's Lewis Hall, Barcelona full-back Alejandro Balde has emerged as an alternative target. The 22-year-old is reportedly valued at around £30million by the Catalan club, while United would prefer a loan deal.
The need for an elite backup and potential successor to Shaw, who has previously endured fitness problems, could lead United to change their stance late in the window. Balde was named on Barcelona's bench on Thursday, having previously been dropped from Hansi Flick's squad.
Joshua Zirkzee has been linked with a move away from United all summer and could seal his exit before deadline day. The forward has struggled to find form or earn a regular place in the side since arriving from Bologna but could be set to revitalise his career in Serie A.
The Netherlands international has attracted interest from several clubs but Fiorentina are frontrunners for his signature. The Italian club are expected to seal a loan move, with an obligation to buy, enabling the forward to start a new chapter.
Igor Matanovic and Harry Amass
Zirkzee's impending departure would create room in United's squad for another forward to share duties with Sesko. Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic has been linked with a move to Old Trafford and would give Carrick a fresh option in attack.
Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that Matanovic is "in the sights" of United following his 15 goals for Freiburg last term. The 23-year-old is also claimed to have attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Fiorentina, but United could choose to snap up the Croatia international, who would be a valuable squad player up front.
The arrival of Balde at left-back could also push Harry Amass to leave United on loan. The 19-year-old impressed during pre-season but a loan move would also help the academy prospect's development, as Carrick recently hinted.
When discussing Amass's next steps, the United boss said: "It comes to this stage [of the window], and there's always a little bit where, and this is not just Harry by the way, this is just the stage of the window and putting squads together and dynamics of changes, and younger players and loans and not loans, and all sorts of different scenarios.
"I think we always try to do the best for each individual player, as well as keeping the group strong. I've been really pleased with Harry. I think he had a really good season that didn't finish so good with the injury, but it's been great to have him around pre-season. He's done really well. So, let's see what happens. But he played really well the other night."
