Manchester United eyeing Arturo Vidal, Marco Verratti, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Jorginho, Fred and Jean Seri as Michael Carrick replacements
Jose Mourinho wants a new midfielder this summer to form partnership with Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic
MANCHESTER UNITED boss Jose Mourinho has reportedly drawn up a six-man midfield shortlist to replace the retiring Michael Carrick.
claims the Special One is ready to part ways with more wads of cash in order to create the perfect triumvirate with Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.
Old Trafford will bid farewell to veteran anchorman Carrick this summer following some recent health issues, although he will remain at United as part of the backroom team.
But it does mean that Mourinho needs a replacement in the centre of the park, with as many as six of the top midfielders across Europe said to be on his wishlist.
First up is Bayern Munich star Arturo Vidal, who has been linked with a Bundesliga exit at the end of the season.
The tenacious Chilean’s workrate will be right up Mourinho’s street, potentially allowing Pogba to move further forward into his highly-heralded No10 role.
Man Utd's six-man shortlist to replace Michael Carrick
- Arturo Vidal: Bayern Munich
- Marco Verratti: Paris Saint-Germain
- Sergej Milinkovic-Savic: Lazio
- Jean Seri: Nice
- Jorginho: Napoli
- Fred: Shakhtar Donetsk
But with interest from the likes of Chelsea and Inter Milan, United may have to offer more than just a lucrative contract to turn Vidal’s head.
Another huge name being touted is Marco Verratti, who is seen as the heartbeat of French moneybags Paris Saint-Germain.
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He was targeted by Barcelona last summer before the arrival of Neymar from Catalonia saw him stay put in the French capital.
But with PSG crashing out of the Champions League in embarrassing style yet again, playmaker Verratti may feel the time is right to try his luck elsewhere.
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Next up is Lazio ace Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who is regarded as one of the best youngsters on the planet.
His physicality, technical ability and aerial presence makes him the complete midfielder, and a move to Old Trafford would also see Milinkovic-Savic link up with fellow Serb Matic.
A scaled-down version could be found in Nice’s Jean Seri, who makes up for his lack of height with an enormous appetite for winning back possession all over the pitch.
He was another midfielder recently targeted by Barcelona, and Seri could be available for a reasonable price if United decide they want to go easy on the club coffers.
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Meanwhile, Napoli icon Jorginho is the man on the shortlist who comes closest to Carrick’s playing style.
His performances this season have resulted in some Italy caps, with the accuracy of his passing and willingness to help out the back four a major plus point.
Finally, United are also said to be looking at Shakhtar Donetsk’s Fred, who has also been linked with Manchester City.
The Brazilian can play in a variety of midfield positions but may have his eyes set on a move to the Etihad as Yaya Toure’s replacement.