Manchester United could make a big move for one of the most talented starlets in Europe.
According to journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Man United are following LOSC Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Arsenal are also keeping a close eye on the wonderkid.
The 18-year-old reportedly admires Paris Saint-Germain, but the reigning UEFA Champions League winners are not actively searching for a new midfielder this summer.
Lille are desperate to keep Bouaddi for at least one more season and are prepared to value him between €80 million and €100 million.
The French club would prefer to sanction a sale if the buying club immediately loans him back for another campaign.
Bouaddi has made 96 senior appearances for the French outfit. He came through the academy at Lille and made his Champions League debut at the age of 17.
His stock is already very high and his eye-catching performance against Brazil at the World Cup only highlighted his immense talent.
He has registered a passing accuracy of 91.5% in the ongoing global tournament.
Bouaddi is a defensive midfielder by trade and could play regularly for the United first-team.
INEOS and head coach Michael Carrick are driving a major midfield revamp this summer.
Casemiro will officially complete his Old Trafford exit at the end of this month. Manuel Ugarte suffered a ligament tear and may not play again for the next one year.
Kobbie Mainoo is the only senior central midfielder at Old Trafford.
Ederson is widely expected to arrive from Atalanta after the World Cup, but United still require at least two additional midfield reinforcements.
Mateus Fernandes is high on their transfer shortlist but West Ham United are demanding £80m to sanction his exit.
Bouaddi could prove to be an outstanding piece of business for INEOS, both as a long-term investment and an immediate squad solution.
However, United cannot realistically accept Lille’s demand to loan him back, as Carrick needs midfield reinforcements available immediately.
Stats from Fotmob.com
