United ramp up pursuit of “complete” midfield monster, scouts believe he’s the “next Declan Rice” – report

Manchester United are accelerating their pursuit of Aleksandar Stankovic as a battle threatens to erupt amongst England’s elite for the Club Brugge starlet, according to the latest report.

The next Declan Rice

Stankovic, 20, is enjoying a breakout season in Belgium after joining the Jupiler Pro League side from Inter Milan last summer.

The Serbia international, son of legendary midfielder Dejan Stankovic, came through the Italian giant’s youth system, though he did not make a senior appearance for the Nerazzurri.

Inter were well aware of the talent on their hands, however, and included a buy-back clause in the €10m deal with Brugge. It is worth €22m this summer, increasing to €26m next year.

Stankovic offers a complete profile as a midfielder, capable of affecting the game in every phase of play. He has returned seven goals and three assists while his defensive and ball-progression metrics are also strong.

Aleksandar Stankovic Stats: 2025/26 Season

One senior recruitment expert describes the 20-year-old as a “major talent” who offers a similar skillset to the Premier League’s most complete midfielder, currently plying his trade at the Emirates.

“He is a real class act. Not dissimilar to a young Declan Rice – that’s the comparison for me. You can see he’s inherited his class from his father. This kid is a major talent,” the recruiter states.

Eyed by England’s elite

TEAMtalk reveals these impressive performances at the heart of Brugge’s midfield have “not gone unnoticed across Europe”, with United joined by Premier League rivals Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur as well as Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in the hunt.

Inter are in prime position due to their buy-back clause, with the Serbian sensation said to “relish the chance” to return to the San Siro according to well-placed sources.

However, he is described as “open‑minded” about the next step of his fledging career, and is “fully aware of the growing admiration from England and other major European leagues.”

Scouts from Old Trafford are understood to have compiled extensive reports this season with the Red Devils having “accelerated” their interest in recent months.

Final Thoughts

United are expected to sign two new midfielders this summer as INEOS plot an overhaul of the engine room. Brazilian behemoth Casemiro will depart at the end of the season when his contract expires, while the future of the underperforming Uruguayan, Manuel Ugarte, remains uncertain.

The primary target is Elliot Anderson, with Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton also high on the wish list. Each one of the Premier League maestros is expected to cost up to £100m, however, meaning the recruitment of two is likely to be beyond the club’s summer budget.

Consequently, United will be forced to consider cheaper alternatives to bolster the middle of the pitch, with one of Europe’s most exciting prospects presenting an excellent market opportunity alongside a big-money domestic signing.

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