Manchester United have been 'exploring the possibility' of luring Youri Tielemans to Old Trafford from Leicester City for a number of months, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Erik ten Hag has taken over a Red Devils side which finished 13 points adrift of Champions League qualification last season and is keen to welcome reinforcements.

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What's the latest news involving Tielemans?

There is growing uncertainty over Tielemans' long-term future as he has entered the final 12 months of his £120,000-per-week contract at Leicester.

With the central midfielder being unwilling to agree to a new deal at the King Power Stadium, his current employers are eager to cash-in and have set a £25million price tag.

According to talkSPORT, Manchester United have been put on high alert due to Arsenal - another of Tielemans' suitors - failing to meet Leicester's demands.

The report suggests the 52-cap Belgium international's representatives held extensive talks with the Gunners in January, but new Red Devils boss ten Hag is a huge admirer.

It appears Arsenal still hold the upper-hand in the race for Tielemans' services as CBS reporter Ben Jacobs has previously told GIVEMESPORT that personal terms have already been agreed in north London.

What has Fabrizio Romano said about Tielemans?

Romano understands Manchester United have been keeping tabs on Tielemans' situation at Leicester.

The transfer guru believes the Red Devils started mulling over whether to make a move for the 25-year-old long before the summer window opened for business.

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Romano told GIVEMESPORT: "It's true that Manchester United have been exploring this possibility also months ago.

"It was in February or March when they were exploring the possibilities and the conditions of this Tielemans deal."

Why is Tielemans of interest to ten Hag?

Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata have already left Manchester United since ten Hag arrived from Ajax, so it is clear the Dutchman could do with bolstering his central midfield options ahead of his first season at the helm.

Tielemans, who has been described by Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers as 'one of Europe’s top midfielders', could be the perfect acquisition as the Old Trafford rebuild gets underway.

According to FBref, the Belgian averaged more goals, shots on target and touches per 90 minutes than Manchester United stars Scott McTominay and Fred last season, further emphasising that he would be an upgrade on ten Hag's current options.

Another attraction is the fact Tielemans boasts plenty of Premier League experience, having featured in the competition 120 times, so he will not need time to adjust to the rigours of the English top flight.