Manchester United must beat Liverpool to the signing of sporting director Paul Mitchell, who is set to leave Monaco at the end of the campaign.
Mitchell, who has previously held recruitment roles at Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and RB Leizpig, has had an excellent eye for top-class talent.
He is credited with signing Sadio Mane at Southampton while bringing Son Heung-min and Toby Alderweireld to Spurs. Christoper Nkunku joined Leipzig under him.
In an interview with Nice-Matin, Mitchell has now confirmed that his work is complete with Monaco and he will step away when a replacement is signed.
He said: “Yes. it’s been a very difficult decision. I loved my experience at this club. I have always felt a lot of support from President Dmitry Rybolovlev and the Principality. I have the feeling that the mission I had, which was to rebuild the sports project, is fulfilled.”
There are no clear favourites to sign him at the moment, but Fabrizio Romano has recently confirmed that Liverpool have made an approach for the 41-year-old.
However, there is bound to be interest from several other Premier League clubs. In our view, United must beat their arch-rivals to the services of the transfer guru.
Mitchell has already revealed his ambition of returning to the English top-flight, and United should be one of the most attractive destinations with a likely takeover.
Even if the Glazers don’t sell the club, there should be minority investment. United boss Erik ten Hag will most certainly be backed with another huge spending spree.
Last summer, the onus was on pursuing readymade players, but the strategy should change in the long-term with the focus on emerging talent with immense potential.
Working alongside manager Erik ten Hag, Mitchell could be the perfect companion. The transfer guru could assist in the recruitment process without overruling ten Hag’s decisions.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
