Manchester United have sent out a delegate to Germany to complete a deal for VfB Stuttgart defensive midfielder Angelo Stiller, according to Sky Sports Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
The Red Devils want to strengthen in midfield and have been linked with Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba all summer.
Man United also have Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton on their radar, but convincing the Seagulls and Eagles to part with their key players has proven impossible.
It appears the Old Trafford club have Stiller in place as a contingency plan and it will be interesting to see whether a move will materialise before the 7pm transfer deadline on Monday.
The German international made 46 appearances across all competitions last term and his arrival could see Kobbie Mainoo leave on loan.
Stiller is more of a passer from the deep than a ball winner, and whether he fits into the profile of the defensive midfielder Man United head coach Ruben Amorim wants is unknown.
The major strengths of the 24-year-old also include playing through balls, and he is one of the best in his position in the German top-flight.
Last term, the Man United target performed more than 73% of players in the Bundesliga for duels won and outperformed 98% of the players for forward passes completed and progressive passes completed.
He could prove to be a solid addition to the Red Devils squad, but playing him alongside Bruno Fernandes in deep midfield could be disastrous.
Man United need a physical and athletic runner who can carry the ball up the pitch, and while Stiller fits the bill, such a player requires a deep-lying playmaker alongside him.
Amorim dreams of having Baleba and Wharton playing together in his midfield going forward, but he will not be getting either of them this summer and may need to settle for the Stuttgart star if he is convinced the German is perfect for his team.
