Manchester United
Premier League • England
Ten Hag steps up Man Utd interest in impressive midfielder from his former club with first offers imminent
Erik ten Hag might encourage Man Utd to make a move for a midfielder from one of his former clubs other than Ajax, according to a report.
Man Utd want to add another midfielder to their squad this summer and have been working on a deal to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea. However, all of their attempts so far have been rejected. Not wanting to be held to ransom, they are exploring their alternatives.
Now, an update from the Daily Mail has revealed one of the more obscure targets they might be looking at.
Last summer, Ten Hag raided his former club Ajax to sign Lisandro Martinez and Antony. But before his time with the Amsterdam club, he was in charge of FC Utrecht.
And according to the Mail, Utrecht’s Taylor Booth has caught Ten Hag’s attention. Even though their paths never crossed there, the Man Utd boss still monitors the Dutch club’s progress closely.
Booth was first linked with Man Utd back in February and it appears he has done enough to retain a place on their shortlist.
Ten Hag is said to have been impressed by the 22-year-old, who earned his senior international debut for the USMNT earlier this year.
Although Man Utd are ‘yet to make an approach’ for Booth, offers are ‘thought to be pending’ for the midfielder from his range of suitors.
Clubs in France, Germany and Spain look at Man Utd target
Other than Man Utd, the report claims Booth has become a target for Lyon, Stuttgart and Celta Vigo – who will need to sign a replacement if they lose Gabri Veiga this summer.
Therefore, if any of the other contenders for Booth firm up their interest soon, Man Utd might have to act fast in order not to miss out.
Booth developed in the Bayern Munich ranks before joining Utrecht in 2022. During his debut season in the Netherlands, he made 28 appearances, scoring two goals and adding four assists.
Despite mainly being billed as a midfielder, he has actually made more appearances on the right wing for Utrecht so far. In fact, he can operate in any of the three main attacking midfield positions.
Ten Hag apparently approves of his skillset, while in theory, his versatility could make him a useful depth option for Man Utd, who will be in the Champions League next season.
Booth – who has never played in continental competition before – isn’t as high profile a target as some of the other options Man Utd have been working on, but they are having to be mindful of their budget for the time being.
It is unclear whether or not Booth would be the only midfielder Man Utd would be signing if he did end up at Old Trafford this summer.
Utrecht still have the former Real Salt Lake youth product under contract for another couple of seasons. Their asking price for his signature has not been disclosed by the Mail.