Manchester United have supposedly 'expressed a desire' to beat Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain to the signature of Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka this summer.
The Red Devils' 3-4-3 shape under Ruben Amorim only allows for two out-and-out central midfielders, although two of Ruben Amorim's current engine-room enforcers could soon be on the way out.
The ageing Casemiro is only contracted to the club for another 12 months, although Amorim has suggested that the former Real Madrid man could have a part to play next season despite links with a move to Saudi Arabia.
However, Christian Eriksen's deal is up this summer, and the Denmark international is not expected to receive an extension offer ahead of a likely free transfer at the end of the season.
As a result, additions in the centre of the field could be high on Man United's agenda this summer, and according to Tuttomercatoweb, the club have set their sights on a possible move for Lobotka.
Man United 'told to pay £34.2m' for Lobotka
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The 30-year-old has been a stalwart of the Partenopei midfield since joining from Celta Vigo midway through the 2019-20 season, playing 195 games for the club and coming up with two goals and four assists.
Largely operating as a number six, Lobotka has set up two goals from 32 appearances in the current campaign, as Antonio Conte's side sit level on points with Inter Milan at the top of the Serie A table.
Lobotka also played an integral role in Napoli's 2022-23 Scudetto triumph, but he is out of contract in two years' time, and the Partenopei are aware that this summer may be their final chance to make a profit through a sale.
Napoli paid Celta Vigo £20.5m to bring Lobotka to the club in 2020, but the Italian giants are supposedly now hopeful of garnering £34.2m through a sale this summer, when Man United, PSG and Barca could scrap for his services.
However, the report adds that Napoli may be open to lowering their demands for the Slovakia international, who turns 31 in November and only stands at 5ft 5in tall.
While PSG and Man United have supposedly taken a liking to Lobotka, Barcelona appear to be leading the race, having apparently made it clear 'several times' that they want to bring Lobotka to Camp Nou.
Why Lobotka is not the right fit for Man United
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Lobotka may have established a reputation as one of the fiercest number sixes in Serie A, but it does not fit the INEOS philosophy to pay over £30m for a player who has already peaked and is in his 30s.
Coupled with Lobotka's small frame and concerns about how he might adapt to the physical nature of the English game, the Slovakia international does not appear to be a good fit for the Red Devils.
While Casemiro and Eriksen may both be let go this summer, Bruno Fernandes is adept in a deeper role, while Toby Collyer has also come onto the scene and has looked at home in the Man United midfield.
Instead, Man United should prioritise their striker and goalkeeper conundrums, as well as getting a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers' Matheus Cunha over the line, and Amorim was asked about that particular transfer in Friday's press conference.
Ben Knapton
