United poised to submit “tempting” bid for “one of the most prolific” defensive midfielders in Spain – report

As Manchester United fans anticipate INEOS’ plan to revamp the club’s engine room, top midfielders will continue to be linked.

The United decision makers may well look to repeat last summer’s transfer trick by targeting Premier League-proven talent. Already, the league’s finest midfielders, such as Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, and Sandro Tonali, are being linked.

Yet, as logical as that transfer route appears, success is far from guaranteed. Raiding rivals for their key stars is never straightforward, and United cannot rely solely on headline Premier League swoops.

Given the uncertainty surrounding those pursuits, you would expect them to have a Plan B for their midfield rebuild.

One alternative: Villarreal’s Pape Gueye

A report relayed by The Peoples Person confirmed United’s interest in Pape Gueye, an AFCON 2025 winner with Senegal.

Foot Mercato, in a follow-up update, has gone even further, suggesting it is more than mere interest.

“Clearly possessing the qualities to succeed in England, the reigning African champion is highly regarded by the Red Devils, who could make a very tempting offer this summer,” the French outlet revealed.

“Following Casemiro’s planned departure, Pape Gueye is seen as the ideal replacement by the Manchester United management.”

Gueye’s brilliance at AFCON 2025 surely opened eyes to his talent, capped by that wonderstrike winner in the tightly contested final against Morocco.

Gueye has impressed consistently at Villarreal

Even before his AFCON heroics, the 27-year-old had been impressing for Villarreal. The Yellow Submarine, currently battling toe-to-toe with Spain’s heavyweights, owe much to their lynchpin Gueye.

An aggressive ball-winner, he dictates games with accurate long passing and, like Casemiro, dominates aerial duels.

He enthusiastically does the dirty work before setting up teammates to punish opponents, a profile United desperately need in the wake of Casemiro’s departure.

A midfield in need of steel and vision

With quality additions required, Gueye could be among the signings to transform United’s midfield.

His arrival, alongside further reinforcements, might turn the Red Devils’ engine room into one of the most feared not only in the Premier League but also across Europe.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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