Determined Ten Hag hatches Man Utd plan to ruin Klopp dreams of bringing classy Benfica star to Liverpool
Benfica #Benfica
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is reportedly ready to turn his focus towards Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez in the January transfer window.
The Argentina star only moved to the Portuguese side in the summer for a fee of just £8.7m from River Plate. But he has already caught the eye with a string of classy displays for Benfica, who have already sealed their place in the Champions League last 16. Indeed, they are unbeaten in their five matches played so far, having held PSG twice and recording wins home and away against Juventus.
Erik ten Hag has Man United on track
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And while operating in a defensive midfield position, Fernandez has managed two goals and four assists from 11 appearances so far.
As such, he’s already attracting the attention of several big hitting sides. Indeed, Liverpool have already been strongly linked with a move as Jurgen Klopp looks to revamp his midfield.
And while the Reds have performed well in the Champions League, it is in the more hectic and energy-sapping Premier League where they have been most badly exposed. Indeed, the ease at which Leeds bypassed their midfield on Saturday was of huge concern to Klopp and Co.
And in Fabinho, both Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards, in particular, have been quick to highlight his failures.
As such, Fernandez is reportedly becoming a player of interest to the Reds. Valued at around £44m, they are reportedly considering an approach in January to bring the twice-capped Argentina international to Anfield.
Understandably, the Reds are not alone in their pursuit for Fernandez.
Barcelona are also casting admiring glances his way. To that end, Sport claims Xavi Hernandez considered an approach to River Plate over the summer, only to dawdle and see Benfica beat them to the punch.
Ten Hag now leading chase for Enzo Fernandez
Barcelona, though, are unlikely to make a fresh move. Despite planning to sign a new midfielder in January to replace the ageing Sergio Busquets, Xavi’s eyes are seemingly elsewhere. Indeed, with funds still tight at Camp Nou, the Blaugrana are instead keeping an eye on the free-transfer market.
To that end, Jorginho and N’Golo Kante, both of Chelsea, are among their targets. As a result of the uncertainty surrounding the duo’s future, Chelsea boss Graham Potter is another reportedly looking at Fernandez.
There is also interest in the player too from Wolves. Incoming new manager Julen Lopetegui has already handed the club a list of would-be targets as he plots to steer a path to Premier League safety.
And while bringing in a new striker is his No 1 priority, they will also likely be looking for a long-term replacement for Ruben Neves.
However, 90min now claim the strongest interest is emerging from Manchester United.
His performances have caught the eye of United scouts and Ten Hag is growing a strong appreciation of the player. And while United signed Casemiro over the summer, Ten Hag is still keen to bolster his central midfield options.
Easy transfer option for Ten Hag
However, any prospects of a fresh approach for Frenkie de Jong look destined to fail. Meanwhile, TEAMtalk have also revealed the reasons why a move for Leeds United’s Tyler Adams is also highly unlikely.
But a move for Enzo Fernandez might just be easier to pull off, with Benfica seemingly vulnerable to his sale.
He is seen as a perfect upgrade on both Scott McTominay and Fred. And Ten Hag seemingly sees Fernandez as an ideal figure alongside Casemiro and Christian Eriksen perfectly in a midfield triuverate.
His signing would allow Bruno Fernandes to step into more of a No 10 role too.
Any such deal, though is likely to cost around £44m and Ten Hag must decide whether to spend more money there or focus on other areas of his side.
READ MORE: Cheeky Barcelona ploy sees Ten Hag accelerate Man Utd transfer plan for £35m attacker, as Plan B considered