AC Milan set to move for Manchester United's perfect Casemiro replacement target - Reports
Italian giants AC Milan are set to make a move for AS Monaco's defensive midfield starlet Youssouf Fofana in the upcoming summer transfer window, according to Calcio Mercato.
The Frenchman came up through the Strasbourg youth academy, before making a move to Monaco in 2020. He has been incredibly impressive for the principality side, with five goals and 14 assists in 169 games for them across all competitions since his arrival.
Milan signed three central midfielders at the start of the season - Tijjani Reijnders from AZ Alkmaar, Yunus Musah from Valencia and Ruben Loftus-Cheek from Chelsea.
However, none of them have shown the Rossoneri CEO, Giorgio Furlani, enough defensive command and prowess. Due to this, he recently claimed in an interview with DAZN that he will be prioritizing the signing of a defensive midfielder in the summer.
Fofana tops their wishlist of potential signings, which also includes on-loan Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat (set to return to Fiorentina) and Spurs' Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
United themselves have been looking for a long-term replacement for Casemiro, after a slew of recurring injuries made him lose his starting spot under Erik ten Hag.
Rising academy starlet Kobbie Mainoo has been an incredible find for the Red Devils, but has often been left to attend to defensive duties all by himself in the midfield.
United also have Fofana on their shortlist, alongside players like Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves, Royal Antwerp's Mandela Keita and Wolves' Joao Gomes. They will be looking to sign one of these talents as the long-term partner for Mainoo in the middle of the park.
However, if Manchester United are to sign Fofana, they will have to make a decision quickly as AC Milan look set to make a move at the first opportunity.
Manchester United scouting 17-year-old English wonderkid, Fabrizio Romano provides update
Manchester United are not only looking to expand their core of young talent from the youth academy, but from the transfer market as well.
Youngsters like Kobbie Mainoo, Omari Forson and Willy Kambwala have been handed their first-team debuts this season. However, the Red Devils seem intent on adding to this burgeoning group of exciting talents.
According to Fabrizio Romano, United are scouting 17-year-old Port Vale forward Baylee Dipepa, who has burst onto the scene this year.
In his daily column, Romano wrote:
"17-year-old Port Vale wonderkid Baylee Dipepa has been followed and tracked by the United scouting team. Let's see if they decide to proceed with negotiations."
Dipepa has made 24 appearances for the League One outfit this season, bagging three goals and two assists across all competitions. He has also made three appearances for the England U-17 side, netting three goals in the process.
The youngster is an exciting talent, and only time will tell if Manchester United make their interest concrete and pursue his services.