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Man Utd 'rejected' as bargain £9m midfielder eyed as well as Mason Mount
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag could be eyeing another midfielder on top of Chelsea's Mason Mount.
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Manchester United have seen an approach for teenage midfielder Habib Diarra rebuffed by Strasbourg, according to reports. Erik ten Hag is keen on adding a new midfielder to his squad this summer and could be eyeing a low-risk deal for one of France's brightest prospects.
The Dutchman strengthened his midfield last summer by splashing £70million on Casemiro and recruiting Christian Eriksen on a free transfer.
But he wants to freshen up his options again. Earlier this month, Chelsea instantly rejected a £40m offer for Mason Mount.
United are expected to return to the negotiation table for the 24-year-old England international. However, Ten Hag is reportedly also eyeing budget options.
According to journalist Luca Bendoni, Ligue 1 outfit Strasbourg have turned down a verbal approach for Diarra from United.
But the Red Devils are said to be holding talks over a deal worth around £9m for the teenage talent. Marseille and Lens are among the other clubs interested.
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Diarra was born in Senegal but has represented France at youth international level.
This season, he became the youngest Strasbourg player to make 30 senior appearances since Christophe Niesser in 1985.
He featured 29 times in Ligue 1 this term, helping Strasbourg narrowly avoid relegation.
Diarra is described as a strong box-to-box player - drawing comparisons to N'Golo Kante - and boasts impressive versatility, which will appeal to Ten Hag.
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The starlet can operate as a holding midfielder or in a more advanced role and has even contributed as a winger.
He is under contract at Strasbourg until 2027, but the report suggests Diarra could be available for an enticing price.
If David de Gea departs and United have to splash big money on a goalkeeper and striker this summer, a budget option in midfield could appeal to Ten Hag.
Diarra is certainly one for the future but has showcased his potential to be a valuable squad player at Old Trafford, where he would learn from some of the best in Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.
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