Manchester United interested in signing ‘cheap’ Valencia midfielder

(Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Manchester United are keen to add competition in the squad.

After a disappointing Wembley performance in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea, once again, the glaring gulf of quality between the regular first-teamers and their backups was evident, as Manchester United failed to sustain their fluidity amid pressure from Blues’ vibrant unit.

The pressing game of Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, and Willian made it difficult for United’s to create a rhythm with a technically-deprived midfield in Paul Pogba’s absence. Bruno Fernandes, too, struggled as opposition formed a cage around the playmaker.

With every passing game, the need for enhancing the backup quality in Red Devils’ squad compounds. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to add at least three players this summer with a host of first-team members moving in the opposite direction.

Considering the financial implications hovering around the deal for Jadon Sancho- Man United’s prime target for the summer, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking for shrewd pieces of business to complement upscale transactions in the transfer market.

One such deal could be for Valencia midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia, who could leave Spain this summer, as per reports from Foot Mercato via Sport Witness. The deal could accelerate given the status quo of Los Che.

Valencia, who have suffered staggering financial losses with current debt account reading at 529 million Euros, are preparing a major cull this summer after informing several squad members to find a new club this summer, according to The Athletic.

Citing the opportunity, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has placed an inquiry with the Spanish club over the availability of Geoffrey Kondogbia. Los Murcielagos are eager to pare their €116 million annual wage bill and would not resist the transfer.

Kondogbia could be an astute piece of business this summer for Solskjaer as the 27-year-old possesses an engine to burn and could provide an industrious box-to-box option in Manchester United’s midfield.

The Nemours-born’s skillset could be equated to current United midfielder Fred. But, Kondogbia owns a dogged stature which adds a physical dimension to Red Devils’ squad. Similarly, United management could also ponder over the availability of Watford’s Abdoulaye Doucoure.