Manchester United are reportedly firmly in the hunt for Youri Tielemans despite Arsenal being regarded as the favourites for the Leicester City midfielder.
The 25-year-old's contract at the King Power Stadium is due to expire next June, and he is believed to be keen to leave the Foxes during this summer's transfer window in search of pastures new.
A recent report claimed that Tielemans had told his friends that he wants to join Arsenal this summer, with the Belgium international already believed to have agreed personal terms with the Gunners.
However, according to journalist Ben Jacobs, Man United have a "genuine" and "growing" interest in the midfielder, who is viewed as a "less complicated option" than Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong.
The Red Devils are believed to have come to a full agreement with Barcelona over a summer deal for De Jong, but the Netherlands international is still said to be pushing to remain at Camp Nou.
© Reuters
Tielemans was again a key player for Leicester last season, making 50 appearances in all competitions, contributing seven goals and five assists in the process.
"That is not out of the question," Tielemans recently told reporters when questioned on a possible exit in the current window. "I feel very good at Leicester, I was welcomed with open arms from day one. I give everything for the club until the last day.
"But of course you have to listen to other opportunities, you have to look at your career, and sometimes you have to make choices. Maybe one will come my way."
The Belgian joined Leicester from Monaco in January 2019, initially on loan, and he has been an important player for the Foxes, scoring 24 goals and registering 24 assists in 157 appearances in all competitions.
There have been suggestions that he could be available for around £30m this summer, which would make him a cheaper alternative to the likes of De Jong and Wolverhampton Wanderers' Ruben Neves.
© Reuters
Man United boss Erik ten Hag confirmed earlier this week that his side are looking to sign a new holding midfielder before the end of the transfer window.
"We are looking for a player who can play in the holding midfield position but it has to be the right one," Ten Hag told reporters.
"There are not many in that position capable of the level we demand. When we can't find him, we have to deal with the players in our squad now and we will develop one in that position.
"I will not react on a certain player. We need the right player. We have a list and we qualify as the player who has the competence to play that role. We will strike the moment the player is available."
Man United have already boosted their midfield options this summer with the signing of Christian Eriksen on a free transfer from Brentford, but Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba all left the club on free transfers at the end of June.
