Manchester United target Ibrahim Sangare ‘would be perfect’ alongside Frenkie de Jong, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.
The Red Devils need to revamp their midfielder this summer following the departures of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata and could turn to the aforementioned duo to do so.
What is the latest news involving Man Utd?
Transfer insider Dean Jones first informed GiveMeSport of United’s interest in Sangare back in April, claiming they were ‘looking’ at the PSV Eindhoven star as a better value-for-money option than their other targets.
And Sky Sports then provided an update on the Old Trafford outfit’s pursuit of the 24-year-old at the start of the month, reporting that there are ‘interested’ in snapping him up.
It’s believed that Sangare’s current contract contains a release clause of €35 million (£29.9m) with fellow Premier League sides Chelsea and Newcastle United also listed amongst his admirers.
The defensive-minded dynamo is said to have his heart set on a switch to English football’s top-flight and is convinced he will be plying his trade there next term.
If United win the race for his signature, then Sangare could find himself linking up with De Jong, who has emerged as Erik ten Hag’s top target during his first transfer window at the helm of the club.
What has Talbot said about Sangare?
Ten Hag is believed to be targeting a new centre-back, at least one midfielder and a new attacker in order to strengthen his first-team squad ahead of next season.
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And Talbot reckons the addition of Sangare and De Jong to United’s underwhelming engine room options could be ideal.
He told GiveMeSport: “There's clearly some interest there. I think he's been linked to quite a few clubs, actually, this window, and you suspect a player like him alongside De Jong would be perfect for Manchester United going forward.”
Would Sangare and De Jong be a good partnership?
While De Jong excels at keeping hold of the ball, carrying it up the pitch, and playing forward passes, Sangare is a master when it comes to dispossessing opponents and cutting out through balls.
As per FBref, the Dutch international has ranked in the 94th percentile for progressive carries, 91st for touches in the attacking penalty area, 87th for expected assists, and the 81st for progressive passes amongst his positional peers over the last year.
On the other hand, Sangare averaged 3.3 tackles and 2.6 interceptions per league game for PSV last term, placing him above all of his teammates for both metrics, as per WhoScored.
Therefore, the duo could provide an excellent balance to United’s midfield should they both make the switch, adding extra bite without the ball and additional control and creativity with it.