Manchester United have been urged to pursue the signing of Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez to bolster Michael Carrick’s midfield options.
Carrick now appears almost certain to be given the full-time job at United, having guided the Red Devils to the brink of Champions League qualification.
One of the first orders of business for the Englishman will be to improve his options in central midfield, particularly with Casemiro set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.
Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Aurelien Tchouameni are three of the names who reportedly feature high up on United’s shortlist heading into the transfer window.
But former Red Devils striker Louis Saha has urged the club to consider a move for World Cup winner Fernandez, who faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.
Only last month. Fernandez cast doubts over his long-term future at Chelsea, telling Argentine media in March that he ‘did not know’ where his future lies beyond this summer’s World Cup.
The 25-year-old has also been linked with Manchester City and Real Madrid, and was suspended for two games by former boss Liam Rosenior after comments insinuating he would like to live in the Spanish capital.
Get personalised football updates every day
Sign up to our daily football newsletter and choose your team to get the latest news, rumours and more about your favourite team.
Speaking to Betinia, Saha said: ‘I don’t think Enzo Fernandez has the same style as Bruno Fernandes, but he could still fit into that midfield.
‘He has the calmness on the ball, the intelligence, and the ability to open up play. He’s not exactly the same as a holding midfielder like Caicedo, but he has aggression and quality.
‘It would be a no-brainer, but if he is available, it’s definitely something Manchester United should consider.’
Elsewhere, former United defender Rio Ferdinand endorsed United’s interest in Tchouameni but admitted getting any deal over the line for a high-quality central midfielder could prove ‘difficult’ this summer.
‘Tchouameni would be great but is he available? I don’t know if he’s available. His experience is huge,’ Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel.
‘I think he speaks English as well, so that’s not an issue. I think he’s a fantastic footballer.
‘I remember the game France-England in a tournament, I think it was Qatar. He was majestic. He was strong. He was commanding. He’s played in huge games. He has the experience. So I wouldn’t worry about him, I’d be very happy to get him.
‘Baleba has got huge potential but has had a bit of a dip this season from where he was the season before.
‘Anderson I think would be a great signing. Again, Premier League proven, great energy, I think there can be huge improvements, his ceiling is quite high, I think there is more to come from him that you can get out of him at Man United. I think Michael Carrick would be a great tutor for him as well.
‘It’s going to be difficult. Who is available – let’s go from there.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.