Manchester United are thought to be interested in signing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi alongside Premier League rivals Chelsea.

The Lowdown: Zubimendi profiled

Zubimendi, a Spain international, is primarily a defensive midfielder who can also play in a box-to-box role, and is valued at a career-high €40m by Transfermarkt.

The 23-year-old has made 115 appearances for his current employers and has been described as ‘special’ by Sid Lowe, drawing comparisons to Xabi Alonso.

His contract contains a €60m release clause, and it looks as if Erik ten Hag is keen on bolstering his midfield ranks further with a move for Zubimendi.

The Latest: Transfer update

Sports Witness relayed an update from Mundo Deportivo, who mentioned Simon Phillips’ update on Chelsea registering an interest in Zubimendi.

They claimed that Ten Hag ‘likes him a lot’ and would be more than happy to add him to his squad, however, Sociedad are confident of keeping the midfielder next month.

The Verdict: Summer move?

The Red Devils may be better off looking to add to their attacking ranks in the New Year after Cristiano Ronaldo left Old Trafford last month.

A move for Cody Gakpo failed to materialise with the Dutchman joining rivals Liverpool instead, with Ten Hag having just one out-and-out centre-forward in Anthony Martial.

Therefore, a new forward over the coming weeks could be more beneficial than signing Zubimendi, with a potential transfer then revisited in the summer.