Man Utd open talks for latest midfield target
FT Desk
- Updated: 8 Aug 2022 18:46 BST
- 3 min read
Manchester United have reportedly turned their attentions to yet another midfield target in the shape of Betis' Argentina international Guido Rodriguez.
It has been a frustrating summer in the transfer market for the Red Devils, who in particular have struggled to reinforce their engine room.
While Christian Eriksen arrived on a free transfer, the Dane's arrival on its own cannot plug the gaps left by the summer exits of Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic and Andreas Pereira, which have left the club short-handed in the middle.
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Erik ten Hag's former Ajax charge Frenkie de Jong has been one of their top targets in the window, but De Jong is unwilling to move from Barcelona to play in the Europa League at Old Trafford and talks with the player have foundered.
Juventus' Adrien Rabiot has also emerged as a potential candidate in recent days, but his track record at Paris Saint-Germain and now Turin is not exactly encouraging when it comes to looking for a consistent presence in midfield.
Now Rodriguez appears to have come to United's attention after shining for Betis and the Argentina national team.
According to AS, the Red Devils have opened contact with the Seville club over a potential transfer in the current window.
A combative, intelligent defensive midfielder, Rodriguez has also been linked with Everton in the past and was part of Argentina's 2021 Copa America-winning squad.
The 28-year-old, formerly of River Plate and Mexican clubs Tijuana and America, would be available for a fee similar to that asked for Rabiot, around €20 million.
Rodriguez joined Betis in January 2020 from America and has racked up more than 100 appearance for the club, playing a crucial role in their Copa del Rey triumph of 2021-22.
