Manchester United could make a move for West Ham star Edson Alvarez this summer as Erik ten Hag looks for a new defensive midfielder, according to Fabrizio Romano.
West Ham and Manchester United are currently in advanced negotiations over Aaron Wan-Bissaka swapping Manchester for East London. This could come in handy for United who could use these negotiations as a way to get a move for the Mexican midfielder over the line.
The Red Devils are looking for some needed quality in the defensive midfield position to play alongside England star Kobbie Mainoo, as Sofyan Amrabat has returned to his parent club Fiorentina, Casemiro continues to decline and Scott McTominay prefers to play in a more attacking role. Erik ten Hag knows Alvarez very well from his time in charge of Ajax. The Mexican featured 103 under the Dutchman as he scored nine goals and provided three assists.
West Ham, who are also lacking depth in the defensive midfield position would be very hesitant to let the Mexico captain depart, as he is now the only senior defensive midfielder at the club after selling Flynn Downes to Southampton. Alvarez is also a major candidate alongside Max Kilman and Jarrod Bowen be become club captain this summer.
However, United have other targets as well as the West Ham star, which would probably be more likely to happen. Manuel Ugarte of Paris Saint Germain seems to be their main target. The Red Devils have agreed personal terms with the Uruguayan, they were completed easily as Ugarte has the same agent as latest Manchester United signing Leny Yoro, Jorge Mendes. Talks between the clubs continue, but other clubs have also enquired.
PSG are reportedly asking for €70m for Ugarte which United sporting director Dan Ashworth is unwilling to match. This would make a move for Alvarez unlikely as the Hammers would demand at least that for the man Tim Steidten signed for €38m last summer.
Joao Neves of Benfica is a significant target for Erik ten Hag. However, the 19-year-old could cost around £100m which would likely be too much for a club without Champions League football. This would make moves for Alvarez and Ugarte more likely, so Hammers fans will be hoping ten Hag opts for a move for Ugarte.
Alvarez suffered a hamstring injury in the first match of Mexico’s Copa America campaign against Michail Antonio’s Jamaica. Despite being ruled out for a number of weeks, potentially keeping him out of the start of the season. The captain stayed with the squad to offer his support as captain.
On the injury Lopetegui said: “We are crossing our fingers. We suffered a big injury with Edson. It is not good news because he is an important player.” Speaking to US sports network CBS, he said, “We love his passion [Alvarez] and understand it is a big part of his game. But sometimes you need to understand when to show less passion and to stay focused on the game. Alvarez is a big player for this club and for the project.”