Tyler Adams is among a number of options being considered by Manchester United as the club weigh up signing a third midfielder this summer.
Andrey Santos, of Chelsea, and Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans have already moved to Old Trafford as part of the midfield rebuild for a combined total of £85million.
United would like to further strengthen that area of the squad following Casemiro’s departure as a free agent and the long-term knee injury that Manuel Ugarte sustained at the World Cup, but it will be determined by the transfer budget and the players signed in other positions.
United have been interested in Adams for some time, and it’s understood that the Bournemouth midfielder is still on a list of potential targets this summer. Unlike some of the other options, he would be more affordable at around £35m.
Whereas Bournemouth have steadfastly refused to consider offers for his teammate Alex Scott – another player on United’s radar – it’s believed that a deal could be done at the right price.
Both players have two years left on their contracts at the Vitality Stadium, and Scott is refusing to sign a new one. Not having two key men entering the final year of their deals in 11 months’ time is another factor that could persuade Bournemouth to do business this summer.
Tyler Adams is among a number of options being considered by Manchester United
Statistics have become an increasingly important factor in United’s approach to recruitment under new director of data Mike Sansoni, and the club have been impressed by Adams’ figures when compared to other defensive midfielders in the Premier League.
The 27-year-old USA international scored highly on running stats last season, ranking in the top-four of 85 players in five of the 10 categories. Adams also posted good stats in terms of tackles, interceptions and winning headers, surprisingly for a player who stands 5ft 9in.
The former Leeds and RB Leipzig man, who was linked with a move to United in January before suffering a knee injury just a few minutes into Bournemouth’s 4-4 draw at Old Trafford in mid-December, has just returned from a strong performance for the US at the World Cup.
While he is one of a number of midfielders on United’s radar, a combination of the low price and impressive stats could make him an attractive option as the club continue to pursue targets in different positions.
