Italian outfit AS Roma are eyeing a move for Manchester United star Scott McTominay this summer
According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay is on AS Roma’s radar this summer, as they plan to find cover for Nemanja Matic.
Until now, West Ham United have been the leading candidate to sign the Scottish star, and they have already seen a bid rejected for the talented player.
With United’s price tag driving away potential suitors, Roma could find themselves in the perfect position to ponder a move for McTominay.
Manager Jose Mourinho could get the chance to reunite with his former player at the Stadio Olimpico. It was under him that the Scotsman made his senior debut for the Red Devils in May 2017. The Serie A outfit could lose chief midfield anchor and former United player Nemanja Matic this summer, and hence, it makes sense for them to find alternative options in the market.
And now journalist Tavolieri has revealed that the Italian club is keen to add McTominay to their roster. Mourinho has consistently praised McTominay as the only good player at Man United.
The 26-year-old midfielder has only two years remaining on his contract with United. In the previous season, the experienced player scored three goals and contributed one assist in a total of 39 appearances across various competitions.
However, No. 39’s playing time was limited, with only ten starts in the 24 Premier League games he featured. With the arrival of Mason Mount, his chances of getting regular minutes at Old Trafford may decrease further this season.
While staying at United might still be an option, West Ham are offering him the prospect of consistent game time. The Hammers view him as a direct replacement for Declan Rice. The Red Devils would be open to selling McTominay if an appropriate offer is presented by the Hammers.
However, if Matic leaves Roma, manager Mourinho would get a chance to go after the Premier League player, and the prospect of playing under his former United manager could be appealing to the Scottish star.
Will McTominay face the axe this summer?
Despite Roma’s interest in the player, it appears unlikely that they will be willing to spend £40 million on acquiring the midfielder.
This hesitation is particularly evident when considering that Roma’s highest-recorded transfer fee was £39m, spent on Patrik Schick’s signing in 2017.
Ten Hag may find value in retaining McTominay for the upcoming season, especially considering the potential departures of players like Donny van de Beek and Fred this summer.
The United manager wouldn’t want to be short of midfield options, and the midfield anchor is still viewed as a reliable squad member at the moment.
Additionally, with young talent Kobbie Mainoo also facing an absence at the start of the new campaign, it would be sensible to keep McTominay within the team for the time being.
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Still, whether any clubs will dare to meet United’s asking price for the Scottish star in the upcoming weeks remains to be seen.