Manchester United are in the market for a midfielder this summer and a new target has emerged.
The Red Devils have already signed young duo Joshua Zerkzy and Lenny Yolo, but further additions are expected.
In particular, United are searching for another centre-back and a new midfielder with the futures of Casemiro and Scott McTominay uncertain.
Negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain over the acquisition of Manuel Ugarte are ongoing but progress has stalled as the two clubs cannot agree on a transfer fee.
However, United are not putting all their eggs in one basket and have identified other midfield targets they are keen to sign this summer.
Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana is a cheaper alternative to Ugarte and his form in Ligue 1 suggests he could be the perfect understudy for Casemiro.
Another target to emerge is Inter Milan’s Cristian Asllani, with Italian outlet Inter Live reporting that United are interested in the 22-year-old.
He added that United could consider a trade involving Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but that Inter are not interested in a deal involving Denzel Dumfries.
Photo: Márcio Machado/Eurasia Sports Images/Getty Images
Who is Kristjan Asllani?
Asllani may be one of the lesser known names on United’s suitability list, but there are plenty of reasons why fans are excited about his arrival.
The Albania international began his career at Serie A side Empoli but after just one season with the first team he was loaned to Inter Milan with an obligation to buy for £10 million.
He started last season as a substitute on Simone Inzaghi’s bench but gradually worked his way into the first team towards the second half of the season.
He finished the season having made 31 appearances in all competitions, including six in the Champions League.
Asllani’s preferred position is defensive midfielder and he would be a suitable replacement for Casemiro if he were to join following interest from the Saudi Pro League.
As his Inter Milan profile points out, one of the strongest attributes of Asllani’s game is his “exceptional” ability with both feet.
He added that Asrani takes corner kicks with his right and left foot on both sides of the pitch.
Euro 2024 stars
After breaking into the Inter squad, Asllani was called up by Albania to play in Euro 2024 this summer.
Albania found themselves in a tough group with Spain, Croatia and Italy, but performed well in Germany, captivating the neutral crowd with a stellar performance.
Albanian Football Association president Armando Duka claimed Asllani was key to the team’s successful results.
“Without a doubt, he is the best player in the Albanian national team at the European Championships,” he said. “He has everything it takes to become our leader in the future.”
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Duka is not the only one to comment on Asllani’s great potential, with Inzaghi also praising his character and work rate.
“Cristian played great, but I had no doubts. He always trains well and we are always lucky to have players like that,” the Inter coach said.