Manchester United have been forced into the midfield market this summer, with Casemiro already confirmed to be leaving the club.
Manchester United have been handed the difficult task of attempting to replace five-time Champions League winner Casemiro in the summer - something that would be a challenge with a confirmed head coach, but, of course, that is not something the Red Devils have just yet.
Michael Carrick has started his second stint as Manchester United head coach brilliantly, with great wins against Manchester City, Arsenal, and Aston Villa. They will all prove crucial results in United's ambition to return to the Champions League.
If Carrick stays at Old Trafford next season, which does appear to be a real possibility, he will know what type of defensive midfielder would be best for his side, and best to partner Kobbie Mainoo - having been an unbelievable midfielder himself. But if he leaves, United will have to wait for the new head coach to join before finalising on a target.
Assuming they can agree on a midfield profile quickly, Director of Football Jason Wilcox will then be tasked with negotiating a deal likely worth over £70 million, while the player is at the World Cup or still disappointed about missing out on international selection.
However, the days of signing players just for the managers appear to be over at Old Trafford, meaning that the recruitment team may choose to bite the bullet before a new coach joins. Perhaps with Eduardo Camavinga.
United "seriously considering" Real Madrid's Camavinga
Football Insider has reported that United are "seriously considering" a move for Eduardo Camavinga, should he become available during the summer transfer window.
Camavinga joined Real Madrid in 2021, having been linked to United during that window, and has now made 213 appearances for Los Blancos. But this season, Camavinga has been closer to a bit-part player, with just 12 starts in 20 La Liga games this season.
After featuring for just 16 minutes in the 2-1 Champions League win over Manchester City, Camavinga has been heavily linked with a move away from the club - a deal that could be made easier if he isn't selected for France at the World Cup.
On Camavinga's future, Football Insider journalist Pete O'Rourke said: "Camavinga, if there’s any possibility that Real Madrid open the door for the Frenchman to leave, I think there’ll be a queue of clubs ready to sign him.
"He’s proved himself at Real Madrid, a multiple-time Champions League winner and he’s still only 23. If Real Madrid do allow the midfielder to go, which isn’t certain, there will be clubs all over Europe who will be interested in him."
Can United fend off Liverpool interest?
Along with the Red Devils, Liverpool are also known to be interested in Camavinga, with midfield concerns of their own. So, would United be able to fend off their rivals across the North West?
As for more recent success, Liverpool seems like a better option, having won the Premier League last season. But their fall from grace this season - they are fifth in the Premier League, six points behind United - may not help their case.
United haven't won a trophy since the FA Cup Final win under Erik ten Hag, but that isn't to say they couldn't soon. With Michael Carrick at the helm, United look like a much better side, despite still having teething issues that go with any new manager.
Even if Carrick isn't handed the full-time head coach job, he may have put United on the right path to finally return back to the top of the Premier League.