Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag “hopes” to add Royal Antwerp midfielder Arthur Vermeeren to his squad this month, according to Voetbal24.be.
In an editorial, the website claims that the “under fire” Red Devils boss “would like to strengthen” his team with the Belgian international, after he made a good impression playing in the Champions League this season.
Vermeeren scored in Antwerp’s 3-2 win against Barcelona in the final group stage game, having also provided 2 assists in a 3-2 defeat versus Shakhtar Donetsk a couple of months earlier.
The 18-year-old is a highly rated young player and Voetbal24.be report that it would cost “a lot of money” for United to secure his services during the January transfer window.
How much would Antwerp demand for Vermeeren?
It is believed that the midfielder’s asking price could be as high as €30m (£26m). Under usual circumstances, such a fee wouldn’t put off the Red Devils from making a move.
However, the Manchester club are facing issues with Financial Fair Play and they may be restricted to signing players on loan this month, making a deal for Vermeeren unlikely.
The Belgian teenager has plenty of suitors
Barcelona are known to be keeping close tabs on Vermeeren but, like United, the La Liga champions are not currently in a position to make a bid for the youngster.
Arsenal have also reportedly considered the midfielder as a potential transfer target. The Gunners are said to be seeking a long-term replacement for Jorginho whose contract expires at the end of the season. At the moment, though, Mikel Arteta’s side are thought to be focused on recruiting another Belgian; Amadou Onana from Everton.
While it appears that ten Hag would like to snap up Vermeeren, it seems likely that he will remain at Antwerp for the time being.
