Manchester United have set their sights on Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki as they look to bolster their midfield options this summer.
Reports from TEAMtalk indicate that United have been closely monitoring the 21-year-old before making any formal approach for his signature.
Sadiki impressed heavily under Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris last season, helping the club secure seventh place and Europa League qualification in the Premier League.
The Belgian midfielder joined Sunderland from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise last summer and has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting midfielders in the division.
Transfermarkt value Sadiki at around £30m, though Sunderland are under no pressure to sell given that his current contract runs until 2030.
Manchester United are not alone in their admiration, with Chelsea’s ownership group BlueCo and Manchester City’s parent company City Football Group also reportedly tracking the youngster closely.
Sunderland have already resisted transfer interest in their key players this window, having held on to Granit Xhaka despite an attempt from Chelsea to sign the midfielder.
Sadiki is considered an energetic and versatile presence in midfield, capable of operating effectively in both box-to-box and defensive midfield roles with his pace, strength, and defensive work rate standing out.
The young midfielder also impressed on the international stage, helping DR Congo reach the World Cup last-32 before they were knocked out by England.
United’s pursuit of Sadiki forms part of a wider midfield rebuilding project, with the club having already agreed deals to sign Ederson and Andrey Santos from Atalanta and Chelsea respectively.
Both Brazilian players are yet to complete their medicals before those transfers are officially confirmed and registered by the club.
With Le Bris keen to keep his squad competitive for their upcoming European campaign, persuading Sunderland to part with Sadiki this summer will likely prove a significant challenge for United.