Manchester United are reportedly preparing an offer for Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare as a possible alternative to Elliot Anderson, who looks set to join Manchester City.
Manchester City have made an offer worth more than £120 million for Nottingham Forest's Anderson. City have submitted a verbal offer of £106 million, with a further £15 million in potential add-ons for the England international. That deal would eclipse the £105 million Arsenal paid for Declan Rice in 2023.
Both City and United had Anderson among their leading midfield targets this summer. However, the 23-year-old appears to favour a move to City and they are now trying to agree a deal with Forest.
It means United are set to move on to other midfield targets. One potential alternative is Sangare, with Foot Mercato claiming that United are impressed by his development so far and potential for growth, with a bid being prepared.
His estimated value is said to be around £35 million, but the French club are said to be holding out for far more than that. United are also unlikely to be the only club interested this summer.
The 23-year-old has attracted interest after a standout debut campaign in Ligue 1 after arriving for just €8 million (£6.9 million). The box-to-box midfielder is described as a 'monster' in transition, having played a key role in Lens' impressive second-placed finish in the French top-flight.
Sangare recently explained to RFI how his game has evolved with the young star developing greater defensive skills. He said: "I love going to defend against the opponent. I really made progress on that… I really like this aspect of my game, because it really makes me happy to go get balls."
Atalanta midfielder Ederson is set to become Michael Carrick's first signing this summer. United have agreed a £35 million deal and the Brazilian is set to sign a four-year contract with the option of an extra year. United were hoping to conclude the move in early July, but that timescale is now set to shift after the 26-year-old was called up for the Brazil squad as a replacement for the injured Wesley.
