Both Manchester United and Arsenal have launched enquiries about Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina, who was left out of the Saints' pre-season squad.
Lemina recently confessed that he wants to leave Southampton this summer in search of a better 'project' and, after he was omitted from their touring squad, it seems just a matter of time before he seals a move elsewhere.
There are a number of interested sides, but 90min understands that United are incredibly keen on Lemina, who they see as a potential alternative to Bruno Fernandes. The Sporting CP star could prove too expensive, whilst there is a belief that Lemina could be signed for under £20m.
Alongside United, the Daily Mail add that Arsenal, Leicester City and Serie A side Atalanta are all contemplating bids for Lemina.
However, Leicester's interest in Lemina may have faded after they completed the £40m signing of Youri Tielemans, meaning United and Arsenal could be set to battle for his signature.
Given he still has three years remaining on his current contract, Southampton will not be forced into selling Lemina for cheap, Instead, they will demand at least the £18m they paid Juventus to sign him in 2017.
During his spell at St Mary's Stadium, Lemina has put in a number of impressive performances, but he struggled to hold down a regular place in the starting lineup as a result of injury.
Fernandes is high on their wish list, as is Newcastle United's Sean Longstaff, but Lemina is seen as a cheaper alternative. His signing would free up funds to be spent elsewhere, which is seen as a huge positive for a United side who are in the midst of a squad overhaul.
Source : 90min