Rio Ferdinand says Manchester United should look at signing Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic this summer, despite strong links with a Manchester City switch.
United have agreed terms with Blues teammate Mason Mount as Erik ten Hag tries to wrap up his midfield recruit early. He has 12 months left on his Chelsea deal, as does Kovacic.
Reports that broke late on Wednesday evening suggested that City have entered talks with the Croat, who turned 29 last month. City could see the departures of Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan this summer and it seems Pep Guardiola is already making contingency plans.
ALSO READ: Manchester United agree personal terms with Mason Mount
Ferdinand says United should also be considering an approach, believing that Kovacic would bring something different to the options currently at Ten Hag’s disposals.
“I think they [United] do need one or two players in the midfield area that can get goals or assists but also be an engine for that midfield,” he told YouTube channel FIVE on Tuesday.
When asked whether United should go in again for Frenkie De Jong, Ferdinand responded: “The man hasn’t shown the intentions that he wants to come.
"It sounds too difficult and too complicated– move on. I think Kovacic has got a year left, go and get someone like him. I like him… He's different to what we've got."
Ferdinand also cast his verdict on what Mount would bring to United. He outlined: “Mason Mount is an interesting one if he’s not going to get re-signed at Chelsea, he’s interesting because he scores goals and he gets assists. He’s someone who would fit into the way Man United would play.”
Chelsea are looking at selling a number of players to stay within Financial Fair Play regulations after Todd Boehly’s mass spending spree since his arrival. United are also having to ensure they adhere to those rules after shelling out £225m last summer.
Furthermore, Erik ten Hag is still in the dark over the extent of his summer transfer budget and so may be eyeing cut-price deals on players approaching the end of their deals.
Outgoings are expected to be needed to fund new arrivals and so the likes of Fred, who is a target for Fulham, could be shown the door to make room for upgrades.
A Manchester Evening News special souvenir edition - Fergie's First - charts United's 1992/93 title-winning campaign and you can get your hands on one here
READ NEXT:
