Reports: Manchester United plot shocking last-minute move for Premier League star

What's the story?

Manchester United witnessed an erratic campaign last season. Despite winning the UEFA Europa Cup, the EFL Cup and the Community Shield, the Red Devils' sixth place finish in the English Premier League was a huge black spot.

The Old Trafford outfit have been on a mission all summer to effectively reinforce the side. Jose Mourinho's side literally snatched Romelu Lukaku from the claws of Chelsea and subsequently lured Nemanja Matic away from Stamford Bridge.

However, Mourinho has been on the hunt for a wide-attacking player all summer, and reports in the Daily Express indicate that the Premier League giants aren't satiated yet, and suggest that Manchester United could indeed launch a stunning last-minute bid for Arsenal target Riyad Mahrez in the next couple of days.

In case you didn't know...

Manchester United have extensively pursued Inter Milan's Ivan Perisic and Real Madrid's Gareth Bale for a majority of the summer. Despite strong inclination to sign either player, their pursuits have been rendered futile.

Meanwhile, Riyad Mahrez is believed to be growing increasingly frustrated at Leicester City, after failing to reproduce the success of the 2015-16 season and had publicly stated his desire to leave the club, and had even handed in a transfer request last month.

The 26-year-old has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Roma, but Leicester City's reluctance to sell the Algerian has reportedly forced away interested parties.

The heart of the matter

With under 48 hours left before the transfer window closes, Manchester United are desperate to sign one more player ahead of the forthcoming season. The former English Premier League champions have failed to lure their top targets for a wide-attacking position, and have now shifted their sights towards Mahrez.

Arsenal had relentlessly monitored the situation but ultimately bowed out of the race, admitting they hadn't come close to prise away the Foxes' prized possession. Similarly, Roma too had tabled a couple of bids for the Algerian, but to no avail.

Mourinho is keen to capitalise on the winger's desperation to exit Leicester City, and is allegedly plotting a late swoop for the former PFA Player of the Year winner.

Despite reports suggesting that Mahrez is set to stay at Leicester for another season, many believe that United could successfully take him to Old Trafford if they make an offer that satisfies the Leicester City bosses.

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Author's take

After an electrifying series of performances in the 2015-16 season, many people believed that Mahrez was destined for greater things at greater clubs. After the Foxes crashed and burned last season, most people are now convinced that Mahrez should leave.

Manchester United have firmly bolstered their side and look like an unbelievably menacing force already, sitting at the top of the table after the first three league games. While they might not desperately require Mahrez's services, his addition will undoubtedly be a shot in the arm and can only improve United's chances of winning not just the English Premier League, but also, perhaps, the UEFA Champions League.