The club are ready to sell the £26m star to Manchester United instead of Juventus, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan
Manchester United are now leading the race to sign Elche defender David Affengruber this summer, but will have to fend off interest from Atletico Madrid.
The storm has been calmed by Michael Carrick at Old Trafford, but there is still a lot of work to be done. INEOS will have to spend again this summer if it wants to see progress as its former player prepares to take over permanently.
The main focus will be adding reinforcements in midfield, with the likes of Elliot Anderson threatening to steal the headlines, and improving the current backline.
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It's not always the obvious names that come up, either. INEOS will want to be smart with their recruitment which is why they are competing with Atletico Madrid in the market.
As reported by Tutto Juve in Italy, Man United are now in a good position to sign Affengruber from Elche this summer. The defender has attracted the attention of Juventus, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan, but it is the Red Devils who are most interested.
Elche are willing to do a deal for just 30 euros ($26m), so the defender represents an option for Man United as they look to save money for a big signing in the center of the park.
It speaks volumes for Affengruber's ability that some of Europe's biggest clubs are vying for his signature, but it should come as no surprise. The 25-year-old has one game left to play with Elche, before big things await at Old Trafford.
Going from a relegation battle in La Liga to Champions League football with one of England's biggest clubs would be a welcome move.
“Amazing” Affengruber could replace Harry Maguire
Gone are the days when Man United fans would be thankful for Harry Maguire's exit. The experienced defender has endured a roller-coaster ride at Old Trafford, but he is the most important player in that dressing room these days. Most likely, you will finally get the same warm send-off as Casemiro.
And that goodbye is not too far away. Maguire is 33 years old and could welcome a successor in Affengruber as soon as this summer.
|
League statistics 25/26 |
Maguire |
Affengruber |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
1,565 |
2,863 |
|
Fighting |
21 |
72 |
|
Duel success |
71.1% |
63.3% |
|
Recovery |
60 |
154 |
Called “amazing” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, it's easy to see why Man United are interested in Affengruber. The Elche man is an excellent defender, who has no problem getting on the front foot. He has built on the aggression shown by Carrick's team in recent months.
It wouldn't be unreasonable to suggest that he will be an improvement on Maguire and not just a replacement this summer.
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