Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag wants to sign a new midfielder to add more quality and depth to his squad.
Relegation from the top flight is a sobering experience that Southampton, Leeds United and Leicester City will endure this season.
They may see their best players leave the club in a bid to stay in the Premier League.
United are eyeing a new midfielder this summer, although their priority is an elite striker.
Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen are linked with a move to Old Trafford, but would each cost United more than £100 million.
With Financial Fair Play rules to contend with, the Red Devils may be unable to break the bank for a new midfielder.
Here are three midfielders United could target from the relegated Premier League clubs at a cut-price deal.
James Maddison
Leicester City saw their top-flight status stripped away on the final day, but their star player will surely move back to another top-flight club.
In 30 league games this campaign, Maddison has bagged ten goals and nine assists.
He has just over one year left on his contract. The Foxes cannot allow their most prized asset to leave for free next summer.
His primary position is just behind the striker, but he can also play on the left flank and in deeper midfield positions.
The deal will be a steal if United can get Maddison for £40-£50 million.
Romeo Lavia
The 19-year-old has been head and shoulders above the rest of the Southampton players this campaign.
He averaged 2.1 tackles per game and finished the season with an 86% passing success rate.
Lavia is predominantly a defensive midfielder by trade and would be a decent back-up to Casemiro.
He could learn from one of the best in the business and develop into a top-class holding midfielder.
Arsenal and Chelsea are also looking to secure his services.
The Saints can expect a bidding war for the midfield sensation if they listen to offers for him.
Youri Tielemans
The 26-year-old has had a lacklustre season for Leicester. His stock has fallen considerably since last year, but he still brings plenty of quality to the table.
Signing Tielemans will cost nothing, as he will enter the summer transfer market as a free agent.
He can be a decent back-up to Christian Eriksen in the number eight role.
Tielemans has an exceptional range of passing and could fill in for Casemiro if the Brazilian is injured or suspended.
The Belgium international is set to enter the prime years of his career, and he would be a solid acquisition for United.
