Manchester United appear to be interested in a Leicester City attacker, but face competition from half of the Premier League as a summer race takes shape.
Manchester United appear to be hungry for an attacking signing this summer, despite the priority position being defensive midfield, with Casemiro set to leave the club at the end of the season upon the expiry of his contract.
The Brazilian has explained what United should be looking for in his potential replacements, but the club have recently been handed a blow in their pursuit of one option. Manuel Ugarte could remain at Old Trafford this summer, but has been widely linked with a move away from the Red Devils after two poor seasons.
No matter how many midfielders United look to sign, it seems they will save some funds for a left-winger, with Marcus Rashford looking destined to leave the club permanently. Barcelona seems the most likely destination, although Hansi Flick kept his cards close to his chest when asked about the England international's future.
Matheus Cunha has played as the left-winger for most of Michael Carrick's tenure at Old Trafford, but he started on the bench behind Patrick Dorgu. The young Dane could have kept his place if it had not been for a hamstring injury suffered against Arsenal, but he was among the travelling squad for the training camp in Ireland.
With a return to the Champions League looking likely, having another option on the left flank will be more than useful for United, especially if Michael Carrick remains at the club, as he has used Bryan Mbeumo largely as a centre-forward, rather than on the wing.
United eye Leicester's Monga
Jeremy Monga made his Premier League debut towards the back end of last season at just 15 years old. With his side now in the Championship, Monga has become even more involved with 28 appearances this campaign.
While Monga has been on the rise personally, Leicester are only on a downward trajectory. After 42 matches - and just four left to play - the Foxes are 23rd in the second division, four points off safety. They would be bottom if it were not for Sheffield Wednesday, who have won just one game and suffered an 18-point deduction to start the season.
It seems, thanks to Leicester's poor year, Monga wants to leave the club and has interest from "more than half the Premier League", according to TeamTALK. Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United are said to be "primed" to make a formal approach.
Monga does not have a professional contract at Leicester City, as players in England cannot officially sign one until they turn 17.
Along with Arsenal, City and United, Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton and Hove Albion, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have all "registered their interest". It is not just in England, though; Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and Real Madrid are also monitoring the young winger.
TeamTALK reports that Leicester City have not given up on keeping Monga at the club, despite relegation to League One looking likely, and are hoping that the prospect of regular first-team football will be enough to convince the Championship star.
United should look for proven talent
Since INEOS purchased a minority stake in Manchester United, they have focused on signing young players who could develop into first-team regulars. Ayden Heaven, Diego Leon and Chido Obi were all signed as part of that thinking.
While this should continue, and has with Christian Orozoco set to join this summer, it should not be the focus for United's left-wing signing. If they are to bring someone in, it should be someone ready to compete with Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu, rather than someone who will need time to work under them.
This will not only elevate the squad going into a season where the Premier League will be up for grabs, but it will also maintain a pathway from the academy for young talent.
Noah Ajayi and JJ Gabriel have both impressed for Darren Fletcher's under-18s side this season from the left flank, with Gabriel even training with the first team at times. As for Ajayi, he was promoted to the under-21s side for the Premier League International Cup quarter-final and impressed from the bench.
To keep talent like theirs at the club, there must be a clear opportunity for them to progress. Signing another young left-winger, like Monga, will only damage their chances of first-team football at Old Trafford.