Manchester United could be set to fight with Tottenham Hotspur for a Belgian youngster after a breakout year.
Manchester United are looking to improve their central midfield options this summer after Casemiro left the club at the end of the season.
Atalanta midfielder Éderson looks set to be the first through the door, although his late call-up to the World Cup could see the transfer officially announced later than first expected.
United are also trying to sign Manchester City youngster David Eze, who could be the first of several young signings this summer.
INEOS have made signing young players a priority since they purchased a minority stake in Manchester United. Cristian Orozoco is set to join the club this summer, once he turns 18 years old, but another young player could be signed, too.
United set to battle Spurs for De Cat
Nathan De Cat is a 17-year-old defensive midfielder who plays his club football for Anderlecht, and he has also earned a senior cap for Belgium.
With his contract expiring in 2027, Anderlecht are aware they may need to cash in this summer if they are to be rewarded for De Cat's high potential.
TeamTALK reports that Tottenham Hotspur are among his most active suitors, but Manchester United have also made an enquiry. Chelsea and Manchester City have completed background checks, but most other interest comes from Europe.
Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are in a "high-profile" battle for De Cat, while fellow Bundesliga sides VFB Stuttgart, RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen have also registered their interest.
For Nathan De Cat, playing time will be crucial. Some clubs appear to have floated the idea of a return to Anderlecht on a season-long loan to ease his game time concerns.
Anderlecht are expected to consider offers of no less than £34.7 million, which would be a club record fee for the Belgian side.
Could De Cat be a midfield option?
With United looking to sign several midfielders this summer, it should be considered if De Cat can be one of the three engine room signings United need to make before the beginning of next season.
For £34.7 million, fans would be hoping that De Cat could be a regular for Michael Carrick's side next season, should United win the race, but the suggestion of a loan back to Anderlecht suggests he will not be ready next season.
This would mean Éderson could go into his first season in the Premier League as a starter alongside Kobbie Mainoo, which would be quite the risk.
The high fee could also see United miss out on one of their other targets. Perhaps if United spent £34 million on De Cat and another £60-£80 million on Mateus Fernandes, they would not be able to afford Lewis Hall, who seems to be the first-choice left-back option.
While he is a talented player, it seems to be a case of right player, wrong time for Manchester United.
