Everton linked Inter Milan midfielder Matias Vecino has emerged as Manchester United’s alternative signing to Sporting CP star Bruno Fernandes, according to Gazzetta dello Sport via the Daily Star.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils are in the market for new options in the core of the field, but have seen their efforts to sign Fernandes fizzle out while LOSC Lille’s Boubakary Soumare has ruled out a mid-season move.
Ajax sensation Donny van de Beek has also moved himself away from leaving Amsterdam in January, while Aston Villa and Leicester City have priced Jack Grealish and James Maddison out of transfers.
It is thought Sporting are demanding a €70million (£59.7m) package to release Fernandes this month, and the figure is a ‘take it or leave it’ stance that would see the Portuguese star head to Old Trafford on loan with the Europa League Red Devils taking possession of an option to buy.
Vecino would represent a vastly cheaper alternative if targeted, as Inter are said to be chasing €20m (£17m) for the Uruguayan after he no longer shared a good relationship with head coach Antonio Conte.
Can we win the three-horse race for Vecino?
Yes
No
United chasing the 28-year-old would see Red Devils Executive Vice-Chairman Ed Woodward challenge Tottenham Hotspur, and potentially drive up the Nerazzurri’s asking price, as Spurs were understood to have reached an agreement with Vecino last week that would see him move to North London.
Woodward may also be contending with our Director of Football Marcel Brands, as we previously led the race for Vecino’s signature before Tottenham stole a march.
Vecino was not included in Conte’s matchday squad as Inter drew 1-1 with US Lecce on Sunday, having been an unused substitute at home to Atalanta the week before.
The 41-cap Uruguay international had previously started ten of his 14 Serie A appearances for the season, and made three outings in the Champions League Group Stage while scoring in a 3-2 defeat away to Borussia Dortmund.
In other Everton news, the club are claimed to be chasing a striker who is scoring a league goal every 297.5 minutes this season.