Manchester United have been linked with a move for Lille midfielder Renato Sanches, according to Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy.

The Lowdown: Midfield options

Erik ten Hag has made three signings so far this summer, but he is yet to bolster his holding or central midfield ranks.

Attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen has arrived on a free transfer and looks set to rival Bruno Fernandes, leaving Ten Hag with just two defensive midfielders and two central midfielders.

It appears to be an area the club wants to strengthen, with United agreeing on a deal with Barcelona for Frenkie de Jong. A move has proven complicated on the player’s side, though, which has led to links of alternative targets.

After discussing interest in both De Jong and Wolves' Ruben Neves, Sky Sports journalist Reddy told The Transfer Show that ‘the other name loosely floated’ has been Sanches.

The journalist stated that the player is better as a box-to-box midfielder instead of an anchor but isn’t too sure of a move to Old Trafford at this moment in time.

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The Verdict: One to watch?

Sanches, who was dubbed a "giant" and "physically and technically perfect" by Tutto Mercato Web (via Sempre Milan), is into the final 12 months of his Lille contract.

The Portugal international is still just 24 years of age but already has plenty of experience at the highest level with the likes of Benfica, Bayern Munich and Lille.

Therefore, he could be a shrewd addition at Old Trafford to fill a problem area, and who knows, a move could also be fairly cheap given his contract situation.