Man Utd handed fresh chance to complete perfect midfield signing immediately

Manchester United have not completed a single January signing, but Michael Carrick’s side have been handed the opportunity to sign the perfect player to bolster his midfield before the end of the transfer window.

United have long been linked with a new central midfielder but have seen their path to their top targets – Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliott Anderson – blocked by huge asking prices.

But the Red Devils have not ruled out making a deal before the winter transfer window closes if the right opportunity presents itself – and it may just have done that.

Vermeeren signing chance opens up

RB Leipzig midfielder Arthur Vermeeren finds himself on loan at Marseille, though he has fallen dramatically out of favour in recent weeks, starting each of the last three games on the bench, despite having made a positive overall impact at Stade Velodrome.

The Belgian particularly shone in the Champions League against Newcastle, in a display branded a “masterclass”.

But he was notably absent when OM crashed out of the competition courtesy of a surprise 3-0 loss against Club Brugge on Wednesday in a match that has totally changed the trajectory of their season.

With the Ligue 1 club looking to cut their wage bill, Galatasaray are trying to sign the midfielder with immediate effect, according to FootMercato – and it’s a ploy that Man Utd should be seriously studying.

An alternative to Baleba

Before the Belgian left Leipzig for Marseille, FootballTransfers suggested that the Red Devils would be well advised to reignite their interest in the youngster, given that he would have been a cheaper alternative to Carlos Baleba.

This could be a prime opportunity for Man Utd, who were interested in the Belgian when he broke through at Antwerp.

Given that Vermeeren only cost Leipzig €20m, he likely won’t command a fee higher than €30m-€40m as he currently boasts an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €27.8m. He would therefore be a much more affordable alternative to Baleba.

What’s more, data analytics firm SciSports believes that he has the potential to become a key player for Man Utd in the future. Vermeeren is a year younger than Baleba and has similar potential (83.2) to the Brighton star (88.8).

Vermeeren has also shown that he can assume different midfield roles, having played both as a deep-lying destroyer and a more energetic, sophisticated box-to-box player. He could provide the energy that has been lacking in Man Utd’s midfield this season.

He may not be the type of star draw that Man Utd fans may crave, but he would offer a valuable alternative in the heart of the field and is exactly the type of transfer market opportunity the club have said they will explore.

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