Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Ardon Jashari after AC Milan made an offer for the Club Brugge midfielder, according to reports.
United are plotting their latest summer rebuild after a miserable campaign last time out under Ruben Amorim.
Matheus Cunha has already arrived from Wolves, but the Red Devils are in the market for several more signings ahead of next season.
Central midfield is one area where the Red Devils are keen to replenish, particularly after the depature of Christian Eriksen, with Jashari emerging as a potential target in recent weeks.
The 22-year-old Swiss midfielder’s superb season with Club Brugge domestically has attracted interest from several top clubs around Europe, including Manchester City.
Get personalised updates on Manchester United every day
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you.
According to the Mirror, United have held early talks with Jashari’s representatives as they mull over an official bid to sign the impressive youngster.
But Amorim’s side may have to act quickly to secure Jashari’s services, with widespread reports suggesting Milan have already lodged an initial £25.6million bid to sign the midfielder.
Club Brugge do not need to sell, with Jashari under contract until the summer of 2029, and are likely to demand a fee of around £34m package (€40m) to let go of their prized asset.
Speaking at the end of last season about his future, Jashari said: ‘My last game didn’t really feel like a farewell at Jan Breydel Stadium.
‘I still have a long-term contract. But in football, you never know what will happen.’
Currently, United’s full focus appears to be on signing Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo to bolster their attacking options.
The Red Devils had an initial offer rejected by Brentford but have returned with an improved bid worth more than £60m for the Cameroon international.
Other high-profile signigs this summer may have to be funded by departures, with several high-earning United players already on the chopping block.
Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford have both fallen out with Amorim and look set to depart, while Jadon Sancho and Antony are also expected to leave after returning from their respective loans.
Rasmus Hojlund could also depart Old Trafford, too, with Napoli interested in a deal for the misfiring striker.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.