Manchester United are reportedly toying with a potential approach for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The Red Devils are currently dealing with their latest disappointment having suffered an FA Cup fifth-round exit to Fulham on penalties over the weekend.
As a result, Ruben Amorim is left to try to improve on the club's 14th-placed standing in the Premier League table, as well as win the Europa League with the club in the last 16.
Behind the scenes, though, plans are already being compiled regarding how United can strengthen their squad in the summer and acquire players who are more suited to Amorim's preferred 3-4-3 system.
According to GIVEMESPORT, the club's hierarchy are contemplating whether to make an ambitious effort to sign Zubimendi.
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United to rival English giants?
The report emphasises how United must get their financial situation in order before being able to freely sign world-class talent ahead of 2025-26.
Nevertheless, it is suggested that United may look to sign Zubimendi in a deal that would be worth in the region of £50m and £55m due to the Spain international's release clause.
On the back of turning down Liverpool last year, the 26-year-old has remained a key player at Real Sociedad, making 35 appearances in all competitions.
La Real have endured a desperately poor campaign in La Liga, sitting in ninth position and 10 points adrift of the top five, and the current assumption is that Zubimendi will finally move to a bigger club later in 2025.
Arsenal are known to be admirers of the player and it was alleged recently that they have all but sealed a deal, pending any late U-turns.
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Too ambitious for United?
Despite the size of a club like Man United, they have reached a stage of their development under Amorim where more work may be required to convince world-class stars to make the switch to Old Trafford.
Champions League qualification for 2025-26 remains a possibility given their participation in the Europa League, yet potential incomings may need to see more from the current squad.
If United are to sign a player of Zubimendi's value, Casemiro would likely have to leave the club due to his wages and the fact that it makes little sense for a player on in excess of £300,000 per week to drop further down the pecking order.
Christian Eriksen is also in line to depart the Theatre of Dreams, yet the promise of first-team football is unlikely to be enough to tempt Zubimendi into joining United if the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal remain interested.
Darren Plant
