Manchester United have reportedly made contact with Eintracht Frankfurt over a potential move for Sweden international Hugo Larsson, but the Bundesliga club are said to be relaxed about the midfielder's future. The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as part of the club's midfield overhaul this summer, with United also facing competition from Newcastle United.
United's midfield overhaul continues
Manchester United have already completed the signings of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans for a combined £85 million, but the club are keen on adding another central midfielder before the end of the transfer window. Larsson has emerged as a target, with the club reportedly making contact with Frankfurt over a potential deal.
According to German outlet Absolut Fussball, Frankfurt are under 'no pressure' to sell the player this summer, as Larsson has no release clause in his contract, which runs until 2029. The report adds that despite being willing to discuss a transfer, the 22-year-old is also 'open to staying' at the club, meaning he is not expected to push for a move.
Price tag and competition
Frankfurt are reported to have placed a €60 million (£51 million) price tag on Larsson at the start of last season, but that figure could be reduced as the club acknowledge the price is 'unrealistic'. It is suggested that a fee of around €40 million (£34 million) would be enough to convince the German club to enter negotiations with interested parties.
As well as Manchester United and Newcastle United, Atletico Madrid are also said to have previously shown an interest in the player. Newcastle are on the lookout for a replacement for Sandro Tonali, who joined Tottenham Hotspur in a £100 million deal earlier this summer, after missing out on Swiss international Johan Manzambi, who completed a £50 million-plus move to Aston Villa on Friday.
Larsson's performances and other targets
Larsson made 34 appearances in all competitions for Frankfurt last season, scoring twice and providing three assists. However, he missed out on a place in Sweden's squad for this summer's World Cup. The defensive midfielder has been a key player for the Bundesliga side since joining the club.
Manchester United continue to be linked with several midfielders, with the position a priority for manager Michael Carrick in the summer transfer window. Bournemouth's Alex Scott, Paris Saint-Germain's Manu Kone, and Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi are among the names who continue to be mentioned as potential targets.
Ederson deal complications
United were also closing in on a £37.8 million deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, but The Manchester Evening News understands that the club could look to renegotiate the deal after it became complex following medical tests. The Brazilian midfielder has, however, signed a contract extension with the Italian side, although the length of the new deal has not been announced.
