5 midfielders Manchester United could sign to partner Bruno Fernandes

#3 Denis Zakaria, Borussia Monchengladbach

Denis Zakaria could emerge as a target for Manchester United this summer

Borussia Monchengladbach have some talented players in their squad, and Denis Zakaria represents another clever piece of business done by the club.

The Switzerland international joined Borussia Monchengladbach from Young Boys in 2017 for £11 million. The midfielder has been a key player for the club since his debut, with his efficient tackling and dribbling ability catching the eye.

Bayern are working on their transfer targets for the 2021/22 season. Gladbach duo Denis Zakaria and Florian Neuhaus are high on Bayern's list. Gladbach are trying to extend Zakaria's contract but if they fail to, they want around €40m for the Swiss midfielder [@SPORTBILD] pic.twitter.com/FnwEpaTo8t

— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) December 2, 2020

Zakaria has made 106 appearances in all competitions for Borussia Monchengladbach, although he has missed a sizable chunk of the current campaign due to injury.

Both Manchester clubs have been mooted as potential destinations, while Chelsea and Bayern Munich are also said to interested in the 24-year-old.

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#2 Manuel Locatelli, Sassuolo

Manuel Locatelli has impressed for Sassuolo

One of the best young midfielders in Serie A right now, Manuel Locatelli looks set to enjoy a bright future in the game.

A product of the AC Milan academy, Locatelli joined Sassuolo in 2018, initially on a loan deal which was made permanent in 2019 for £11 million. It would be fair to say that Sassuolo look set to get a good profit from any potential sale.

Manchester City are only scouting Manuel Locatelli [Sassuolo/🇮🇹 National team] as Juventus and many other clubs.There’s nothing advanced for next summer and Sassuolo won’t sell Locatelli in January. #MCFC have many other midfielders in their list for the future. 🔵 #transfers

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 14, 2021

The Italy international is a strong passer of the ball and is also astute defensively. Under Sassuolo manager Roberto De Zerbi, he has become a well-rounded player who looks likely to play for one of the bigger clubs in Europe.

Manchester City and Juventus are reportedly tracking the 23-year-old, while Arsenal are rumoured to be interested as well.

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#1 Wilfred Ndidi, Leicester City

Wilfred Ndidi before a Leicester City game

Arguably the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League right now, Wilfred Ndidi would be a good addition to many top clubs across Europe.

Ndidi joined Leicester City from Genk in January 2017 for £16 million and has gone on to become one of the most important players at the club. Excellent defensively, the Nigeria international can also operate as a centre-back if needed.

Wilfred Ndidi 👉 129 successful tacklesAaron Wan-Bissaka 👉 129 successful tacklesPereira 👉 119 successful tackles Wilfred Ndidi has finished the 2019-20 English Premier League season as the joint top tackler alongside Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka. pic.twitter.com/DF5eKarXFD

— Goal Africa (@GoalAfrica) July 26, 2020

The 24-year-old has made 146 appearances in all competitions for the Foxes so far but missed parts of this season due to injury. Leicester City's dependency on him is evident, and given the fees they demanded for Harry Maguire, Riyad Mahrez and Ben Chilwell, Ndidi will not come cheap.

Manchester United have been linked with him, but Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have also been named as clubs interested.

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