Manchester United are considering alternatives amid the growing uncertainty over a possible summer move for Mason Mount.
United agreed personal terms with the 24-year-old last month, but despite his desire to move, there has been little progress made in reaching an agreement with Chelsea.
The London club is holding out for a fee close to £65million after rejecting United's third bid, believed to be valued at £55million.
United are unhappy with Chelsea, who they believe are overvaluing Mount given he is out of contract next year, and though their own bargaining position is weakened by a tight budget, they do not want to compromise amid their intention to sign a striker.
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The Manchester Evening News understands United have at least four other midfield targets to turn to, having finalised a long list of targets per position in April, and we've taken a look at those who could be targeted in the coming weeks.
Moises Caicedo
The leading name on the list is arguably that of Brighton star Caicedo. United were working on a €6million deal to sign the Ecuadorian youngster in December 2020, but discussions were compromised by the involvement of various intermediaries, and he eventually moved to Brighton.
Since then, the 21-year-old has established himself as one of the leading midfielders in the Premier League and would be an ideal fit for United, despite being more defensively minded.
He would likely cost a lot more than Mount, but there would be less issue meeting his valuation given his age, versatility, and the fact that United know Brighton do not need to sell as he has a long-term contract with them.
Mohammed Kudus
Ten Hag has a habit of moving for players he already knows well, and he is understood to be a fond admirer of Kudus from their time together at Ajax.
The 22-year-old has shown glimpses of brilliance in his fledgling career but is probably not the ready-made alternative to Mount that is ideally wanted this summer.
United shouldn't have much trouble persuading him to move if they really want him, and Kudus would arrive with the added advantage of also being able to play in attack if needed.
Adrien Rabiot
The only surprise here is that it has taken until this week for the first serious reports of a summer move for Rabiot to circulate.
He came close to a move to Old Trafford a year ago, but the club was unable to agree personal terms with him, and he ended up staying at Juventus.
Rabiot enjoyed a superb campaign in Serie A and reached the World Cup final, but is out of contract at the end of the week and has yet to agree a new deal. He would be a sensible addition if they could resolve the wage issues.
Felix Nmecha
If it is another attacking midfielder that United want, then they could do a lot worse than Wolfsburg ace Felix Nmecha.
The 22-year-old is already being linked with moves to Bayern, Dortmund, and Newcastle after a decent season in Germany and could be the ideal addition to United's midfield options.
He is probably not quite ready to start every week for a club like United, but he could prove to be a compelling alternative given that he shouldn't command a large transfer fee.
Frenkie de Jong
It wouldn't be a list of United midfield options without De Jong. They are still highly interested in a move for the 26-year-old, a year after a prolonged transfer saga.
De Jong ticks every single box for what United would want from a new midfielder, given he can play both as a progressive link-up man and as a deeper defensive option.
If he is made available for transfer, then United will do everything they can to sign him, though that relies on the player pushing for a move and funds being made available for such a high-profile deal.
