Manchester United travel to the Basque Country to face Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday night.
Ruben Amorim’s side snatched a late draw at Bournemouth in their last outing, a result that leaves the Red Devils 14th in the Premier League table with just four matches remaining.
The Portuguese will therefore be well aware that his side’s only chance of qualifying for Europe next term will be by winning the Europa League next month, but Bilbao are arguably favourites and will provide a stern test for United over the two legs.
In the meantime, it has emerged that United are interested in a Serie A midfielder.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes via GiveMeSport, Man United are eyeing a possible move for Napoli star Stanislav Lobotka.
Lobotka is a target for Manchester United
The Slovakia international has impressed since joining Napoli from Celta Vigo in 2020, and could make his 200th appearance for the club before the end of the current campaign.
Lobotka, 30, is under contract until the end of the 2026/27 campaign, but the report claims that the Italian outfit would be willing to allow him to leave this summer for a fee in the region of £40 million.
The report claims that Man United have identified the Slovakian as an ideal candidate to bolster Amorim’s midfield, with this summer potentially seeing the Manchester outfit overhaul his squad in the middle of the park.
Christian Eriksen is set to be out of contract this summer and is almost certain to depart, while veteran midfielder Casemiro has also been heavily linked with a move away despite having one more season to run on his current deal.
French champions Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be interested in the player and could rival the Red Devils for his signature.