Manchester United have reportedly taken an interest in Chicago Fire teenager Brian Gutierrez.
In his first season in charge, Erik ten Hag guided United to a top-three finish in the Premier League, an FA Cup final and the EFL Cup trophy.
However, United will not settle for that achievement, instead looking to significantly strengthen their squad during the summer transfer window.
As well as being linked with Declan Rice, Mason Mount and Harry Kane, the Red Devils are also in the market for a new goalkeeper and central defender.
While all of those moves are realistically unlikely to materialise, it highlights the level of change that Ten Hag wishes to bring to Old Trafford over the coming months.
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Nevertheless, the Dutchman is seemingly also giving thought to the future by identifying a starlet from MLS as a potential addition at some point in 2023.
According to the Daily Mail, Ten Hag and the English giants have been left impressed by the progression of Gutierrez.
The 19-year-old has already established himself as a key player with Chicago Fire, contributing three assists from his 12 starts and three substitute outings during the current campaign.
In total, the United States Under-20 international has made 74 appearances for his current club, chipping in with two strikes and 11 assists to emerge as one of the nation's top prospects.
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Although Gutierrez has not been representing USA at the recent Under-20 World Cup, there is an expectation that he will eventually make the switch to Europe to showcase his talent.
The report adds that Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are also contemplating whether to make an approach for the player, who has a contract at Chicago Fire until 2026.
Rangers have been credited as admirers, too, although Chicago Fire may do everything possible to retain the services of the youngster for the time being.
They are no strangers to doing business with bigger clubs with Gabriel Slonina and Jhon Duran being allowed to sign for Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively since last summer.
Darren Plant
