Forget De Jong! USMNT star is Man Utd's midfield answer

Tom Weber

• Updated: 25 May 2023 18:48 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United are keeping an eye on the situation of Tyler Adams as relegation looms for Leeds United.

Red Devils coach Erik ten Hag has identified his midfield as a position that needs strengthening this summer. Though not as much of a priority as the centre-forward department, the Dutchman is still keen to bring in a midfielder in addition to keeping around loan star Marcel Sabitzer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Heavily linked with Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong last summer and once again this year, Erik ten Hag seems keen to reunite with the man who played so brilliantly for him at Ajax. More recently, Mason Mount's name has cropped up as a potential option.

However, with uncertainty looming over next season's budget due to the ongoing ownership battle, Ten Hag may not be able to bring his compatriot or the Chelsea star to Old Trafford for financial reasons.

READ: Man Utd get 'no negotiations' BOOST for Ten Hag transfer target

Instead, the Red Devils appear to be focusing on someone much closer to home.

From Leeds to Manchester

According to Football Insider, Leeds United star Tyler Adams could quit his side in the event of relegation, and Manchester United are attentive to how this situation is developing.

The report claims that it will be all but impossible for Leeds to keep hold of the 24-year-old American should they drop down to the Championship, as several Premier League sides, including United, are keeping tabs on the midfielder.

Though he may fetch north of €40 million, he would be a cheaper alternative to De Jong and perhaps he wouldn't command as high a wage as out-of-contract Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who has also been intensely linked with a move to Old Trafford.

READ: How Man Utd could line up after DREAM move for England trio

Plus, he is several years younger than his French counterpart and has consistently been impressive wherever he has played, including in the Premier League, something that can't be said of Rabiot.

This season, Adams has been one of the better players in a dire Leeds team, and given his steep career trajectory so far, one is inclined to think that the step up to Manchester United shouldn't be a problem for the USMNT star.