Manchester United will attempt to sign a £40 million midfielder amid a key concern over Michael Carrick's time in charge, according to a new report.
United suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Leeds United at Old Trafford on Monday.
They were reduced to 10 players in the second half after centre-back Lisandro Martinez pulled the hair of striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
It is remarkably the fourth game out of five that United have either had a player sent off or played part of the game against 10 players, with Harry Maguire shown a straight red card in the 2-2 draw at Bournemouth.
Advert
But United were already 2-0 down against Leeds when Martinez saw red, with striker Noah Okafor scoring a first-half double for Daniel Farke's side.
Carrick was criticised over his team selection in central midfield. Manuel Ugarte lined up alongside goalscorer Casemiro, and played 90 minutes despite Mason Mount being an option off the bench.
United's struggles in midfield predate Carrick, however, and it has been widely reported even prior to him taking charge that the club will conduct an overhaul in that section of the pitch during the summer transfer window.
Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba have all been linked, but the fact that they all play in the Premier League will no doubt drive up their prices.
According to Italian outlet Calciomercato (via Sport Witness), they are 'poised to launch a major auction' to sign RC Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare this summer.
Sangare, who was formerly part of the youth academy at RB Leipzig, has made 25 appearances for Lens this season as they sit in second place in Ligue 1.
He has contributed three goals and three assists during that time.
His asking price is quoted as being as low as €30 million (£26m), but was quoted at as high as £39m earlier this year and could well depend on whether Lens qualify for the Champions League.
A Mali international, Sangare will not be featuring at the World Cup this summer as his nation haven't qualified.
It would potentially therefore be an easier move to broker than the likes of Anderson and Wharton, though Chelsea and Juventus are reported to also be interested in signing the 24-year-old.
But crucially, it could also allow United more funds to sign a second central midfielder, with Casemiro confirmed to be leaving the club at the end of his contract.
Ugarte is also expected to be on his way out from Old Trafford, though Carrick himself has stated his hope that Kobbie Mainoo will sign a new long-term contract to stay at the club.
Topics: Michael Carrick, Manchester United, Premier League, Transfers
Ryan Smart