MAN UNITED IDENTIFY CAMAVINGA AS NEXT MIDFIELD TARGET

Manchester United have identified Eduardo Camavinga as their next midfield signing, according to reports. The Real Madrid player has fallen down the pecking order at the club in recent years. Real Madrid are understood to be open to a sale for between €50m and €60m (£42m to £51m), despite Camavinga's contract containing a €1bn (£857m) release clause.

United have prioritised a midfield rebuild during the current transfer window. The club completed a deal worth £48m plus £2m in add-ons for Brazilian Andrey Santos and triggered the £35m release clause of Belgium captain Youri Tielemans. A third signing is anticipated following Casemiro's departure at the end of his contract and Manuel Ugarte's serious knee injury at the World Cup.

Camavinga, a France international aged 23, missed out on a spot in the recent World Cup squad as a result of his limited game time at Madrid. The player has indicated he wants to stay at Real Madrid and fight for his future, having considered it a dream to play for the club from his youth. Jose Mourinho is understood to be willing to sanction Camavinga's exit in order to fund a move for Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri.