21 March 2023 , 12:46
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Manchester United have made 'serious contact' with the representatives of former Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic ahead of a potential summer transfer.
Despite the fact that the domestic season is still in full swing, Erik ten Hag is already busy sketching out plans to make United even stronger next term. After spending in excess of £220million in the summer, it's anticipated that Ten Hag will be handed a fresh budget to continue his rebuilding project - and Grujic has emerged as a surprise target.
The 26-year-old spent five-and-a-half years at Anfield earlier in his career before quitting the club to join FC Porto on a permanent basis back in the summer of 2021.
And after rebuilding his career with the Portuguese champions, several of Europe's elite are running the rule over the playmaker. According to Telegraf, via Sport Witness, Manchester United are one of the club's interested in Grujic and have made 'serious enquiries' over his availability via intermediaries.
However, the report claims that a deal for Grujic would not be without its caveats. The fact that the midfielder was a 'big childhood Liverpool fan' could pose problems for both the player and the United fanbase if a move were to materialise over the coming months, while it's also outlined that Porto are tough negotiators and would fight to try and keep Grujic's services.
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Beefing up Manchester United's midfield appears to still be one of Ten Hag's most pressing priorities ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
United spent big on a £70million deal for Brazilian enforcer Casemiro in the summer but missed out on a deal for Ten Hag's primary transfer target, Barcelona playmaker Frenkie de Jong.
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Former Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic is believed to be on Manchester United's radarReports have since indicated that the Dutchman was still a target for United moving forward. But the Barcelona ace, who has repeatedly stressed he has no intention of leaving the club, once again outlined that he sees his future at the Nou Camp at the weekend.
Speaking after Barcelona's dramatic 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in Sunday's huge El Clasico, De Jong was asked if he would be joining Manchester United in the summer transfer window. He replied to Ziggo Sport: "No, I don't think so. You never know of course. But I'm very happy in Barcelona.
"From the summer until now it has improved for me here. I play almost every game, it makes me feel so satisfied. I am a better player now than what I was when I signed for Barca."
As well as links to De Jong and Grujic, United have also been tipped to pursue a permanent deal for Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, who has impressed since joining the club on a six-month loan deal in the January transfer window.