Manchester United are reportedly keen on signing Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez.
The 25-year-old was widely linked with a move away from his Dutch club over the summer, with Chelsea making an attempt to sign him before the end of the transfer window.
Alvarez ultimately stayed in Amsterdam, and he has again been a key player for the Eredivisie champions this term, making 16 appearances in all competitions, contributing one goal and two assists in the process.
Chelsea are believed to be preparing to reignite their interest in the Mexico international when the January transfer window opens for business.
However, according to Calciomercato, Man United are also keen on his signature, with Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag eyeing a reunion with the central midfielder.
© Reuters
Alvarez has been with Ajax since July 2019, making the move from Club America, and he has represented the Dutch giants on 119 occasions in all competitions, contributing 10 goals and five assists in the process.
Man United signed two players from Ajax over the summer, bringing in Lisandro Martinez before securing the services of Antony late in the transfer window.
Alvarez has admitted that he was "very disappointed" to miss out on a summer move to Chelsea, but he is still confident of moving to a "big club" in the future.
"As a player you are aware that this would change everything. A better league, a better life for you and for your family. This is what it's all about for me. I am here for my love for football but also for my family," he told ESPN.
"I am very disappointed about it. But I am convinced that one day a big club will come. We never expected Chelsea to put in another bid at the end of August. It was a difficult situation. Ajax couldn't do anything."
© Reuters
Alvarez, who still has three years left to run on his current deal, primarily operates as a defensive midfielder but is also capable of playing as a centre-back.
Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder admitted recently that the Mexican had openly expressed a desire to join Chelsea before the end of the summer transfer window.
"Chelsea reported themselves for Edson Alvarez on the final day and Alvarez wanted this. For one day he was feeling very down by yesterday he told me: 'Coach, I am here and I will give 100% again'," he told ESPN.
Man United are currently well-stocked in the midfield positions, with Bruno Fernandes, Fred, Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and Donny van de Beek all options for Ten Hag.
