Rio Ferdinand has urged Manchester United to sign Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic this summer, despite links with a switch to Manchester City.
Erik ten Hag is keen to bring midfield recruits ahead of next season. However, a deal for the Croatia international may prove to be difficult.
Indeed, as reported by Football365, Man City are ‘really close’ to agreeing personal terms with Kovacic. Nevertheless, Ferdinand is adamant Man Utd should consider an approach.
The Chelsea star has just 12 months remaining on his deal at Stamford Bridge. As a result, it seems increasingly likely Mauricio Pochettino will sell him.
Man Utd have been eyeing up a new midfielder for some time. In fact, they have just agreed personal terms with another Chelsea midfielder – Mason Mount.
Anther player they have been heavily linked with is Barcelona centre-mid Frenkie de Jong. He has been on Ten Hag’s wishlist since last summer.
However, when asked if the Red Devils should go in for De Jong again this summer, Ferdinand told his YouTube channel FIVE: “The man hasn’t shown the intentions that he wants to come.
“It sounds too difficult and too complicated– move on. I think Kovacic has got a year left, go and get someone like him. I like him… He’s different to what we’ve got.”
Since signing for Chelsea from Real Madrid back in 2019, Kovacic has made 221 appearances across all competitions, scoring six goals and making 15 assists.
In an unbelievably successful career, the 29-year-old has won 13 major trophies during his time with Madrid and Chelsea, including four Champions Leagues.
With that in mind, the Chelsea man could be exactly the kind of player Man Utd need to turn them into serial trophy winners again.
But, a deal may prove difficult given Man City are close to agreeing on personal terms with Kovacic. Nevertheless, Man Utd still have time to change his mind.
Indeed, if Man Utd offer a higher transfer fee to what their rivals are offering Chelsea, they may be able to hijack their approach.
Ferdinand also shared his thoughts on Mount, who, as mentioned, looks set to become a Red Devils player in the next few weeks.
He added: “Mason Mount is an interesting one if he’s not going to get re-signed at Chelsea, he’s interesting because he scores goals and he gets assists.
“He’s someone who would fit into the way Man United would play.”
Clearly, it’s going to be an exciting summer for Man Utd fans. Whether or not they can hijack Man City’s move for Kovacic, however, remains to be seen.
