Manuel Locatelli has emerged as a Manchester United target again, according to reports from England.
Manchester United have reportedly spoken to the Juventus captain's circle, with a potential move being discussed for the summer.
The Premier League giants are expected to refresh the midfield again, as Casemiro's future will not be at Old Trafford.
However, Locatelli is Juventus captain and a key figure in Turin, so reaching an agreement will not be easy at all.
Manuel Locatelli is not a new name on Manchester United's wish list.
He had been on the Red Devils' radar since 2021, when he shone for Italy and helped them win the European Championship. At that time, Juventus won the competition and signed him from Sassuolo.
However, with Casemiro set to leave Old Trafford this summer, United are looking at other alternatives.
According to "The Touchline", the club has already begun initial contacts with Locatelli's team to explore the possibility of a summer transfer.
Looking at his profile and stats, it's no wonder why United want him.
He is one of only four midfielders in Europe's top five leagues to have played at least 900 minutes while meeting several key parameters: more than 75 passes per 90 minutes, over 85% accuracy, over 60% duels won and more than three interceptions per 90 minutes.
"Manuel is a complete player," his agent Stefano Castelnovo said last year.
"In addition to the hard work he does, he can play both short and long passes," he added.
Locatelli is not only a player at the peak of his form, but as captain of Juventus he is also a representative figure and ambassador for the club.
However, in the summer his contract will be 18 months away from expiry (it expires in 2028).
A lot depends on whether Juventus will convince him to renew. If not, that could open the door for Manchester United.
There have also been suggestions in recent months that the relationship between Locatelli and Luciano Spalletti is not in the best of shape. With that in mind, it remains to be seen what Juventus will decide in the coming months./Express newspaper/
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