Manchester United have reportedly included England internationals Kalvin Phillips, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice on a three-man transfer shortlist.
The Red Devils, who are expected to announce Erik ten Hag as their new manager in the coming weeks, are planning on a complete overhaul of their midfield this summer. Many critics accept that department has been United's weak point for some time.
Paul Pogba is likely to leave the club when his existing deal expires in June, while there are huge question marks over Fred, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic. United's poor midfield has seen them slip down the Premier League, as they currently sit in seventh.
And, as reported by The Sun, United will make a move for either Phillips, Bellingham and Rice this summer. The former is believed to be the most achievable signing, despite the fierce rivalry between his current side Leeds and the Red Devils.
Phillips is a boyhood Leeds fan. The midfielder is on course to become a legend at Elland Road and would have to sacrifice that to join the Red Devils. Players have ditched Leeds for Manchester before, most notably Alan Smith and Eric Cantona.
Leeds are set for contract extension talks with Phillips' representatives this summer, although those plans could be scuppered due to the player switching agents. According to Transfermarkt, he is valued at £45million - an affordable price for United.
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The same can't be said for Rice, however, as it's believed West Ham want £150m for their prized asset. The former Republic of Ireland international is thought to be United's preferred choice, yet they've been put off by the Hammers' humongous demands.
"Maybe people don’t have enough to write about," said West Ham manager David Moyes in response to rumours about Rice's future. "That might be where that comes from, I don’t know. But look, I can’t do anything about what people write about Declan Rice.
"I can’t stop that, except say to them that you will need humongous money to get close. That’s what you would need to do. They can write all they like, but he’s here for certainly a few years. I said in the summer that I thought Declan Rice was £100 million.
"That was the sales, that was cheap, that was your chance to get Declan Rice cheap... Declan Rice is right up with some of the best players I've certainly had. It's his potential as well to get better because of his age."
Bellingham, meanwhile, could also cost upwards of £100m considering his huge potential. The 18-year-old is already a regular at Borussia Dortmund - helping them win the German Cup last season - and commanded a £25m transfer fee two years ago.
Reports last October suggested Dortmund have slapped a £101m price tag on Bellingham. The Birmingham City academy graduate rejected the chance to join United in the summer of 2020, despite holding talks with legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
"I just think the way Dortmund integrate young players into the first-team squad is next level," said Bellingham in November 2020. "There is not a club in Europe that does it quite like them. The way they are pushed and can also be reeled back in.
“They can review your performances. There is a person there for every player who has worked with the young players. Everyone has that support system to work for their chance in the first team. Man Utd have a great squad.
"My decision had nothing to do with money. And I was so focused and so happy with the interest from Dortmund that this became my first choice. It was never [a case of] it's this over this club. For me it was Borussia Dortmund, and that’s it."
