Manchester United may have to change their transfer plans after midfield target Edson Alvarez picked up an injury at the Copa America.
Alvarez played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax and has been linked with a summer transfer from West Ham. He joined the Hammers in a £35million move in August after Declan Rice left for Arsenal and still has four years left on his contract, yet is already attracting interest.
The 26-year-old is currently away on international duty with Mexico and has picked up a serious injury at the Copa America. He limped out of their 1-0 win over Jamaica in Houston after 30 minutes with a hamstring injury.
Alvarez had tears in his eyes after leaving the pitch and Mexico manager Jaime Lozano confirmed the severity of the injury to his captain. “We’re going to wait a couple of days to do some testing on him and to know well what he’s got going on,” he said.
“He’s extremely important. He’s a leader, he understands the game well. He’s important on the pitch and in the locker room as well. You listen to him talk, he has a way with words and when he speaks you listen. This was a tough blow for all of us.”
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Alvarez made 42 appearances across all competitions for West Ham last season, contributing two goals and two assists. The Hammers have replaced David Moyes with Julen Lopetegui and the change in manager has contributed to the uncertainty around transfers this summer.
He was asked about transfer interest in a press conference at the Copa America. "I can only tell you that I'm focused on what I have to do,” he said. "I know that the Copa America is a very important tournament where the eyes of the world are basically here. Later there will be time to see what there is or what there isn't."
Edson Alvarez could be out for a while after the injury (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)West Ham reportedly value Alvarez at north of £51m – a figure that is likely to be well beyond United’s means. Ten Hag has been told he has a net spend figure of just £50m to play with in the summer transfer window, although selling Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho can boost the fund.
United’s priority lies in other positions, with a centre-back and striker needed after Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane left upon the expiry of their contracts. The club have already seen an offer of £35m plus £8m in add-ons rejected by Everton for Jarrad Branthwaite, who value him at £70m.
Central midfield is another area that needs strengthening following an eighth-place finish in the Premier League. Alongside Alvarez, United are interested in Benfica's Joao Neves, though his £104m release clause is likely to prevent any bid.
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