Manchester United continue to be linked with potential signings and Erik ten Hag may look towards La Liga for a midfield addition.
Erik ten Hag is staying on as Manchester United boss with months of speculation now put to bed.
Ineos have decided to keep hold of the Dutchman despite a disappointing campaign in the Old Trafford dugout.
United must back Ten Hag with new additions this summer and midfield changes are expected in the coming months.
Sofyan Amrabat could return to Fiorentina at the end of his loan spell whilst Casemiro has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
Christian Eriksen could hardly be blamed for eyeing an exit either having played a bit-part role under Ten Hag this past season.
Manchester United want Brais Mendez
United have already been linked with midfield additions this summer as the likes of West Ham United’s Edson Alvarez believed to be on the radar.
The Express now claim that United are also interested in signing Real Sociedad midfielder Brais Mendez.
It’s claimed that United have ‘expressed an interest‘ in signing Mendez but face major competition for his signature.
Aston Villa are understood to have made an enquiry into a potential deal for Mendez whilst Juventus and Roma are also keen.
Sociedad understandably want to keep Mendez in an ideal world, but aren’t expected to stand in his way if a big offer arrives.
As noted by Sport in 2023, Mendez has a €60million (£52million) release clause in his Sociedad contract.
However, that report suggested that Sociedad would accept around €30million (£26million) if such an offer arrived.
That price could fit into United’s plans but Villa can offer Champions League football next season – something United don’t have.
Mendez appears to be a man in demand and the 27-year-old may feel that this is the right time to move on and take a big step in his career.
Who is United target Mendez?
Mendez spent time with Villarreal as a kid before coming up in the Celta Vigo ranks.
The attacking midfielder racked up more than 160 appearances for Celta, recording 22 goals and 18 assists in the process.
Real Sociedad pounced to sign Mendez in 2022 and that move has seen him take his game to another level.
19 goals and 17 assists in 91 appearances for Sociedad is a strong record, allowing him to pick up four caps for Spain along the way.
Mendez even scored at Old Trafford in 2022, bagging the winner as Sociedad claimed a 1-0 victory over United.
Mendez predominantly plays as a number 10 but has also operated on the right flank or in midfield, showing his versatility in the engine room.
That flexibility may well appeal to Ten Hag and United, offering competition in a number of positions.
We still think that United will prioritise other positions first though with centre back and striker the main focus, but Mendez is a name to keep an eye on this summer.