Manchester United are reportedly planning to press ahead with a move for highly-rated Royal Antwerp midfielder Arthur Vermeeren during the summer transfer window.
At just 18 years of age, the 2005-born midfielder has already nailed down a regular starting role for the Belgian upstarts, having broken into the first team during the 2022-23 campaign.
With Vermeeren blossoming in the heart of their engine room, Antwerp completed a Jupiler Pro League and Belgian Cup Double in the 2022-23 season, thus earning a historic qualification for the Champions League.
While Antwerp were eliminated from the group stage, Vermeeren helped his side bow out on a high by scoring in a 3-2 win over Barcelona, and scouts from all across Europe were reportedly running the rule over the teenager.
Barcelona, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are all believed to have been casting their eye on Vermeeren's displays this season, although he recently stated that he would like to remain at Royal Antwerp for the rest of his life.
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However, Vermeeren also admitted that his mind often wanders to thoughts about a move to one of Europe's big five leagues, although he remains under contract at Antwerp for another two-and-a-half seasons.
Nevertheless, Football Insider claims that Man United are now "laying the groundwork" for a summer approach for the Belgium international, who made his first two appearances for his country last year.
The report states that the 20-time English champions have been speaking regularly to Vermeeren's entourage, and Antwerp could supposedly let him leave for as little as £25m upfront, but they would be seeking a full £50m package including add-ons.
Vermeeren left the Mechelen youth academy in 2018 to join Antwerp and has already registered three goals and eight assists in 65 games for Mark van Bommel's team, including two goals and six assists from 31 games this season.
Man United strengthened their midfield ranks in the summer with the permanent signing of Mason Mount from Chelsea, as well as capturing Sofyan Amrabat on loan from Fiorentina, but both men have found it difficult to make their mark at Old Trafford.
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Mount has been restricted to just 12 appearances for Man United due to injury, while Amrabat has failed to nail down a consistent starting place and is now away with Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Another engine room reshuffle could be on the cards this summer, as Amrabat's stay is unlikely to be made permanent barring a major upturn in form, while Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are both being linked with exits.
The duo were a cornerstone of Man United's success under Erik ten Hag in 2023, but Casemiro has been strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, having failed to hit the same heights this term.
Meanwhile, Eriksen has entered the final 18 months of his contract with the Red Devils, and the Denmark international's influence has also waned this term, thanks partially to the emergence of teenage starlet Kobbie Mainoo.
However, both Eriksen and Casemiro are on track to return from illness and a thigh injury respectively when the Red Devils take on Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday's Premier League clash.
Ben Knapton
