Man Utd ‘extensively’ scouting €45m Ligue 1 jewel – Vivell desperate to poach him

Manchester United are keen to land LOSC Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi , but they must overcome competition from a dozen other suitors.

The Red Devils are expected to ring the changes in the middle of the park next summer. After all, Casemiro is running on an expiring contract, while Bruno Fernandes’ future remains uncertain . Moreover, Manuel Ugarte has been unconvincing since his arrival, and Kobbie Mainoo hasn’t been find to lock himself a place in Ruben Amorim’s plans.

Therefore, Man Utd will likely need one or two additions in 2026. The reinforcement will most likely arrive in the summer, but INEOS might also fancy their chances of pulling off a deal in January.

At the moment, MUFC have been mostly linked with a host of up-and-coming Premier League midfielders, especially Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson.

Nevertheless, the Daily Briefing reveals that United have also been ‘intensively’ scouting Bouaddi.

(Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images)

The 18-year-old is a defensive midfielder who joined Lille’s academy in 2021, and has been a member of the first team since 2023 at the tender age of 16.

As the report explains, Man United’s Head of Scouting, Christopher Vivell, is determined to prevail in the race for the youngster services.

However, he will have to overcome a host of other suitors who are equally interested in Bouaddi’s services, including Liverpool, PSG, Juventus, AC Milan, Arsenal, Tottenham and others.

At this stage, it remains unclear which club has the upper hand in the race,  but the young midfielder isn’t expected to dwell at Lille for too long, especially with some of the biggest clubs in Europe vying for his services. The Ligue 1 side has reported set its asking price at €40-45 million.

While signing Bouaddi would be a major boost for Man Utd, the club could also do with another profile who’s more familiar with the Premier League, as evidenced by Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha’s swift adjustment to life at Carrington following their summer transfers.