Manchester United have reportedly identified Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez as a potential transfer target.
During the summer, Rodriguez was heavily linked with a move away from Estadio Benito Villamarín due to having a year remaining on his contract.
Instead, the Argentina international stayed at the La Liga outfit, remaining as a key player in a club that currently sits in sixth place in the standings.
The 29-year-old has only not featured in one game - a result of suspension - and Betis seem highly likely to try to negotiate fresh terms before the end of the year.
Nevertheless, Rodriguez is aware that he will not be short of suitors should he reach the turn of the year without a new contract, enabling him to speak to foreign clubs.
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Back in August, Rodriguez insisted that he and his family are "happy" at Betis and would like to stay, providing that a positive resolution can be found on "certain things" in contract negotiations.
With no renewal having been forthcoming, though, his future remains up in the air, opening the door to higher-profile clubs expressing an interest.
According to Estadio Deportivo, Man United are giving consideration to putting forward a proposal in January.
The report claims that head coach Erik ten Hag is eager to sign Rodriguez at 'the earliest opportunity' in a bid to help keep United in contention for Champions League qualification.
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Despite Bruno Fernandes's late winner against Fulham on Saturday, United remain in eighth position in the Premier League table, four points adrift of fifth spot.
Ten Hag is not short of midfield options, but Casemiro has struggled in his second season at Old Trafford and Sofyan Amrabat is yet to show the kind of form that he produced for Morocco at the 2022 World Cup.
Barcelona are also said to remain interested in Rodriguez at a time when the Catalan giants will again look to focus on free agents and loan deals due to their well-documented FFP issues and reduced La Liga salary cap.
Although Wolverhampton Wanderers were once viewed as a potential option for Rodriguez, interest from bigger teams is likely to leave the West Midlands team as an unrealistic alternative.
Darren Plant
