Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly showing the strongest interest in signing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha this summer transfer window.
The report comes from TEAMtalk, who claim United have been monitoring Nmecha’s development closely before registering their serious intent to sign the German international.
Manchester United are making midfield reinforcement a priority this summer, having already agreed in principle to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson from the Serie A club.
The 26-year-old Ederson’s move to Old Trafford is expected to be confirmed following the conclusion of his World Cup campaign with Brazil.
Manager Michael Carrick is said to be keen on signing at least one more midfielder, with West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes identified as United’s primary target in that area.
Carlos Baleba and Alex Scott have also been linked with moves to Old Trafford as Carrick looks to significantly bolster his options in the engine room.
The need for further signings has been made more urgent following Manuel Ugarte’s serious knee injury, which leaves United short of options heading into a demanding fixture schedule that includes Champions League football next season.
Dortmund have placed an £86 million price tag on Nmecha, whose existing contract runs until 2030, though the German club may be open to accepting a lower fee.
Newcastle United were also credited with interest in the 25-year-old box-to-box midfielder, but they are unwilling to match Dortmund’s valuation and the player himself has no desire to move to St James’ Park.
Chelsea are mounting a genuine challenge for Nmecha’s signature, with new manager Xabi Alonso looking to strengthen the midfield department at Stamford Bridge.
Alonso had been keen on reuniting with Granit Xhaka, having enjoyed great success together at Bayer Leverkusen, but Sunderland have no intention of letting the midfielder leave.
With the Xhaka deal proving difficult, Chelsea appear to have shifted focus toward alternative targets, and Nmecha has emerged as a player they have been watching closely.
Standing at 6ft 3in, Nmecha is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can also operate in a deeper defensive midfield role, offering tactical flexibility to any top-level manager.
At 25 years old and in the prime years of his career, Nmecha could represent a significant addition for whichever club wins the race for his signature ahead of next season.