Manchester United have held talks with intermediaries surrounding a potential deal to sign a midfielder, according to TeamTalk, as interest ramps up in players for the central ranks.

The Red Devils have placed plenty of focus on the midfield this summer, with a deal for Ederson already agreed and just waiting to be confirmed.

Beyond the Brazilian, Man United have also been pushing to sign Mateus Fernandes, with the West Ham star seemingly available after their relegation from the Premier League.

That could end up sealing the midfield for the coming season, but there is a chance that the Old Trafford outfit will add another player into the mix.

With that in mind, it seems as though there is another target for Michael Carrick now on the radar.

Man United Talks For Felix Nmecha

Recent links have emerged over Man United’s interest in Borussia Dortmund ace Felix Nmecha, who has been scouted by the club amid his impressive World Cup performances for Germany.

As that interest persists, TeamTalk reports that talks have been held between the club and intermediaries on behalf of the player, as he seems open to leaving the Bundesliga side this summer.

It’s a green light for the 25-year-old, but there is still the challenge of club-to-club talks ahead, if United persist with a move. Dortmund are seemingly under no pressure to sell, as there is a long-term contract on the table, as well as a £52 million release clause that isn’t available until next summer.

Carrick’s side aren’t the only team in the mix, as rivals Liverpool are there, as well as Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Barcelona, and Real Madrid.

It remains to be seen whether an approach will be made this summer, but Nmecha, who has been described as the “most underrated midfielder in Europe”, is clearly attracting interest in what could be a huge battle to land his signature.

Man United Sales Needed

While there are plenty of talented players on the Man United shortlist, it’s clear that the recruitment team will need to consider sales on top of any possible incomings.

There will be a budget available, and it’s clear that at least two midfielders are part of that overall transfer spend available to the club this summer.

However, adding a third expensive addition like Nmecha means focus may need to quickly switch towards sales to raise the funds for such a signing.

The first players to consider will be Manuel Ugarte and Marcus Rashford. Beyond that pair, moves for Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir and others could raise the necessary money.

With a return to the Champions League coming up, Carrick will need all the support he can get in the squad to compete across all formats again.

Reece James has already had his say about the prospect of Donald Trump handing England the World Cup trophy if the Three Lions go all the way this summer.

The President of the United States of America is expected to hand the iconic trophy to the winners on July 19, and could even break FIFA protocol and stay involved in the celebrations. James knows Trump’s willingness to get involved all too well.

Should Thomas Tuchel end 60 years of hurt and bring football home, there’s a strong chance the controversial 80-year-old will be a prominent figure in any images. They’d be sure to live on through many generations, just as photos of the great Bobby Moore lifting the World Cup in 1966 have.

Donald Trump Caught Reece James By Surprise

Brian Snyder via Reuters

The newly formatted FIFA Club World Cup was held in the States last summer. Chelsea, as one of the English representatives, went all the way and won the trophy after beating PSG 3-0 in the final.

As it was hosted on American soil, Trump was heavily involved. He was the man chosen to put the winners’ medals around each player’s neck. Not only that, but the President also handed the captain the new trophy.

To the surprise of James and teammates such as Cole Palmer, Trump decided to remain in the middle of everyone as Chelsea lifted the trophy. Watch the awkward moment below.

Speaking about it in the immediate aftermath, the Blues’ skipper said (per BBC Sport): “I think the first thing I have to say is that it probably highlights how big the tournament is. The coverage for the tournament and the final was huge.

So, instead of passing on the trophy and leaving the stage, he instead opted to simply stand next to James. Palmer could be seen mouthing: “What’s he doing?”

James on Trump Handing England the Trophy

While he found it a strange experience last year, it appears James is more than happy for Trump to be handing over the World Cup trophy. But he’s still delighted that it’ll be Harry Kane’s problem if England do go all the way.

When asked if he was prepared for the President getting involved again, the 26-year-old responded: “No! I don’t have a plan. I’ll leave that to Harry!”

Hydration breaks have become the big talking point in this year’s competition. After getting first-hand experience of the temperatures England would be playing in, James explained how hard it was managing the heat.

He said: “It’s super difficult conditions to play in that heat, especially us playing in England — there’s not anything like that before

“Once you are out there you adapt the longer you are there. You feel the heat the minute you step outside the hotel. The conditions are super hot, difficult conditions to play in and the pitches when we were there weren’t the greatest either and made it a little bit harder. But hopefully by the time the World Cup comes around it’s better.”

Liverpool have joined the race to land a midfield star at the World Cup this summer, as TeamTalk claims the Reds will be battling Premier League rivals for his signature.

It comes as the Merseyside outfit are looking at potential options for the central ranks, with changes expected for Andoni Iraola’s first campaign in charge at Anfield.

Curtis Jones is expected to leave the club as he enters the final 12 months under contract, with interest growing from Inter Milan over the course of the summer.

Alexis Mac Allister is also facing an uncertain future, moving into the final two years of his deal, while teams appear to be positioning themselves for a possible move.

With that in mind, rumours have swirled surrounding Liverpool‘s interest in Alex Scott of Bournemouth as well as Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.

However, there appears to be a new name on the radar: Felix Nmecha.

Liverpool Want Felix Nmecha Transfer

According to the report from TeamTalk, Liverpool have entered the race to sign Borussia Dortmund and Germany midfielder Nmecha this summer.

It’s claimed that a return to the Premier League, where he broke through with Manchester City, is now appearing to be a realistic proposition for the 25-year-old.

The report claims that intermediaries have been looking at potential landing spots for Nmecha, even though his release clause worth £52 million doesn’t kick in until next summer.

It’s stated that while Liverpool are among those keen on a potential deal, there is also interest from rivals Manchester United, as they rebuild their own midfield options.

Fellow English sides Arsenal, Chelsea, and Man City have all been contacted about the possibility too, while Barcelona and Real Madrid have been touted as potential suitors.

It remains to be seen whether a transfer will be possible, however, as Dortmund remain relaxed over his contract situation and the release clause inserted into his deal.

That may change if a concrete offer is made by Liverpool or their rivals, which could heat things up.

How Good Is Felix Nmecha?

As Liverpool enter the market for midfielders, a move for Nmecha makes sense. At 25, he has experience of living in England and thriving in Germany, which could make it an easier transition for some who are just moving over for the first time.

The Dortmund ace has impressed, enough to earn a starting place for Germany at the World Cup for their opening two group games, and there is potential for him to improve even further.

Considering he is touted as earning £100k-a-week in Germany, there may be no issue getting the personal terms done, while the larger hang up will be over a potential fee with his club.

However, regardless of that, the play profile may be an ideal fit to give Iraola the energy and control he needs in the middle of the pitch with his style of play.