Manchester United are reportedly keeping an eye on Eberechi Eze ahead of a possible move for the Crystal Palace star next summer.
Eze, 26, has shone at Selhurst Park ever since joining Palace from QPR in 2020, with the attacking midfielder working his way into the England squad following his impressive performances.
He was part of the Three Lions’ group at Euro 2024 and many were left surprised that the 26-year-old didn’t move in the summer window, although Palace sold Michael Olise to Bayern Munich for £50million.
Mail Sport reported last week how Eze’s £68m release clause will re-activate next year after it expired ahead of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign.
And, according to the Manchester Evening News, United are already planning several additions in 2025, with Eze one star under consideration.
Manchester United are reportedly keeping an eye on Eberechi Eze ahead of a possible move
Eze has shone at Crystal Palace ever since he moved to Selhurst Park from QPR back in 2020
Erik ten Hag’s side are keen to sign a forward and Eze is seen as a potential option to bring in
The report claims that Erik ten Hag’s side are keen to sign a forward or attacking mdifielder as they eye reinforcements on the flanks next summer.
Eze, who is under contract at Selhurst Park until 2027, has scored 28 goals and added 17 assists in 128 games for the Eagles.
Speaking to Sky Sports , Eagles chairman Steve Parish admitted his shock that none of his team’s rivals decided to make a move for Eze this summer.
‘I was really worried from a club point of view of losing Michael [Olise] and Ebbs [Eze] in the same window and we didn’t have in Ebbs the interest that I thought we would have,’ Parish said.
‘I was astounded. Genuinely astounded. I mean, the guy’s just an outstanding footballer, an outstanding person.’
If Eze did arrive at Old Trafford, he would be seen as another option to play on the wing.
Jadon Sancho finally departed to Chelsea on deadline day after a public falling-out with the Dutchman last season, while Antony’s £86m move to the club in 2022 has proven to be a major disappointment.
Marcus Rashford has struggled for form over the past 12 months, and Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo are still seen as developing talents, so Eze would add proven quality to the Red Devils.
The report also goes on to add that, along with a winger, United are eyeing-up a centre back, a left back and a central midfielder in 2025.
United had two bids rejected for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite over recent months, but they are set to keep an eye on the 22-year-old ahead of possibly re-entering the market for him.
The Toffees were said to want between £70m and £80m for the defender, with United instead bringing in Leny Yoro from Lille for £52m.
However, the report adds United are likely to return to the centre back market, with Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans not expected to be at the club beyond next summer, while there is also uncertainty over Harry Maguire’s future at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, it is a similar story for both Christian Eriksen and Casemiro in midfield, with United hoping to add further in the centre of the park after Manuel Ugarte eventually arrived on deadline day for £51m from PSG.
Palace chairman Steve Paris admitted he was ‘astounded’ no clubs met Eze’s release clause
United spent over £200m in the summer transfer window, but are already planning for 2025
United are also keen on bringing in another left back given the injury problems suffered by Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
Dutch defender Malacia has missed almost 15 months of action with a knee injury, while Shaw played just 12 times in the league last season, and is yet to appear so far this campaign.
United spent more than £200m in the market over the summer as Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui all arrived.
However, Ten Hag’s side have endured a difficult start to the campaign, losing two of their first three Premier League games.
United return to action on Saturday when they take on Southampton at St Mary’s.
