Manchester United could face stiff competition from rivals Leeds United and a host of other English clubs for the signing of midfielder Mandela Keita.
The Red Devils midfield has been ripped to shreds on numerous occasions this season and this was no clearer than on Monday night against Crystal Palace in a 4-0 mauling at Selhurst Park.
The experienced Casemiro gave quite probably the worst performance of his United career as he was regularly left for dead by Palace’s tricky forwards and was nowhere to be seen for most of their goals.
Sofyan Amrabat has also been a non-factor most of the season and will certainly be heading back to Fiorentina when his loan ends.
Therefore, INEOS will likely want to bolster the midfield with a signing or two. There were reports yesterday that this could be Benfica’s exciting teenager, Joao Neves, but he would come with an extravagant price tag.
A cost-friendlier option would be that of Royal Antwerp’s Mandela Keita. United have previously been linked with the player as they have been scouting him since earlier in the year.
Moreover, it has been relayed here that Antwerp are prepared for Keita to leave as their CEO has previously stated that it will be very difficult for the Belgian side to keep hold of the player this summer window.
Belgian daily newspaper, Het Nieuwsblad, have suggested that United may face competition from their arch-rivals Leeds United for the player’s signature. The outlet claims that Antwerp are “looking for the jackpot” in selling Keita to bring in much-needed funds.
It is also stated that Keita wants to make a move this summer and there are a range of teams in England interested in the player, including “Norwich, Leeds, Blackburn, Nottingham Forest, West Ham and even Manchester United already following the midfielder.”
Keita has been described as “an energetic midfielder who has something of a unique profile in the midfield. He is incredibly strong from a defensive point of view with the ability to play as a lone 6 and break up attacks from the opposition with ease.”
Therefore, it is clear to see why United would be interested in this type of player to breathe some life into a tired, languid midfield.
If Leeds make it back into the Premier League, the promise of gametime in comparison to the Old Trafford outfit may be difficult to compete with. If Nottingham Forest survive, they could also provide a threat.
Nonetheless, if United really want the player, they would back themselves to fend off interest from any one the teams currently linked with the dynamic young midfielder.
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