Man Utd add Senegal’s AFCON star to list of midfield targets

Manchester United have found another midfielder to add to their shortlist as they look to rebuild that area of the team this summer.

Villarreal and Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye is being considered by Man Utd for a summer transfer, according to Foot Mercato.

The 27-year-old scored three goals in six games at the African Cup of Nations, including the most important goal of the tournament, Senegal’s extra-time winner in the final. He has the opportunity to further raise his profile on the international stage at this summer’s World Cup.

Born in France, the midfielder developed at Le Havre, the club that produced Lassana Diarra, Ferland Mendy, and Steve Mandanda.

Before Villarreal, he played for Marseille and spent a year on loan at Sevilla before joining the Yellow Submarine on a free transfer.

What would Pape Gueye bring to Man Utd?

Gueye is a physically strong player who is not afraid of attempting shots from distance.

Two of his three league goals were taken outside the penalty area, with the other being a penalty kick.

He has 40 caps for Senegal under his belt, including three trips to AFCON.

In La Liga, he wins 56.1 percent of his overall duels and 59.4 percent of his aerial duels, traits which would help his acclimatisation to the Premier League if he makes the move.

Gueye has a €25.1 million Estimated Transfer Value (ETV), and Villarreal are no strangers to selling important players to the Premier League.

Thierno Barry joined Everton for €30 million last July, and Yeremy Pino joined Crystal Palace for the same fee a month later. Plus, the club sold Alex Baena to fellow Spanish side Atletico Madrid for €42 million in the same transfer window.

Man Utd have mostly been linked to Premier League-proven midfielders, but the prospect of signing an affordable, proven player from a club eager to sell may spark the club into action.

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