Man Utd 'make contact' with new midfield target and could seal bargain deal

Manchester United have made just one major signing this summer and the Red Devils have now been linked with a surprise move for Lyon midfielder Corentin Tolisso

Manchester United are reportedly considering a surprise move for former Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso. United are in the market for a new midfielder, having let Christian Eriksen leave on a free transfer after his contract expired.

The only major new signing they have made so far this summer is the addition of Matheus Cunha from Wolves, while they are also in talks with Brentford over a deal for Bryan Mbeumo. And Tolisso has now emerged as another target as manager Ruben Amorim looks to revamp his squad.

According to a report from L'Equipe, United have made 'initial contact' with the Tolisso's representatives to 'explore the feasibility of a transfer' and the Lyon star is said to be open to making the move to Old Trafford.

The report states that Lyon are planning to build their team around Tolisso next season, but their financial problems could tempt them to cash in. Tolisso is said to be valued at over £8.7m and is Lyon's highest earner.

The World Cup winner has already rebuffed approaches from Turkish clubs and it is claimed that Atletico Madrid are also interested in his services, with Tolisso viewed as a potential replacement for Rodrigo De Paul as he closes in on a move to Inter Miami.

"There's nothing official," Miami boss Javier Mascherano said when asked about De Paul. "I've seen the reports, but I always try to be cautious. He’s a player from another club, and I prefer not to talk about players who don’t belong to us."

Clubs in Saudi Arabia are also considering a move for Tolisso, with newly-promoted Neom said to be monitoring the situation. Neom have already raided Lyon this summer, signing former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette and ex-West Ham star Said Benrahma.

Neom have also added former goalkeeper Marcin Bulka from Nice and midfielder Amadou Kone from Reims. Granit Xhaka has also been heavily linked with a move to Neom that would reunite him with Lacazette.

The pair played together at Arsenal for five seasons and Xhaka has previously spoken very highly of Lacazette. "In the end, people want him to score. People only see if players score," Xhaka said of Lacazette back in 2022.

"But people sometimes don’t see how important he is for us, not only on the pitch but as well off the pitch. On the pitch, he is an amazing player and he understands the game so good with the quality he has.

"I hope now, after this three, four, five, six weeks, they understand how important he is for us."