Felix Nmecha blows scouts away as Man United eye 'big midfield restructure'

Manchester United are interested in signing Borussia Dortmund star Felix Nmecha as they continue to assess their midfield options.

Michael Carrick is determined to strengthen in the middle of the park this summer, and the 25-year-old is the latest to be linked with a big-money move to Old Trafford.

His performance for Germany during their World Cup opening game against Curacao, where he scored the first goal in a huge 7-1 win, has also grabbed attention.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Man United have had scouts keeping a close eye on Nmecha's performances this season.

His World Cup display is believed to have impressed the watching scouts, although they will face competition from a number of clubs across European football.

Man United also have a number of other midfield targets on their radar, and there is a belief that the likes of Mateus Fernandes could rank higher than Nmecha.

Football Insider revealed in March that Man City are interested in signing Nemcha, who progressed through their academy before leaving the club to return to Germany in 2021.

City have been keeping tabs on Nmecha since his exit, but are no longer the only club interested, with Man United prepared to join their rivals in the race.

A shortlist of targets has been drawn up at Old Trafford, with Nmecha firmly on their radar, and they will cotinue tracking his displays at the World Cup.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "He's somebody that Man United are well aware of, and we know they're going to undergo a big midfield restructure.

"Casemrio has left and there are doubts about Manuel Ugarte's long-term future at Old Trafford as well, so Nmecha is somebody who Man United have been looking at.

"The United scouting team have been keeping tabs on him and he started the World Cup with a strong performance for Germany which will have impressed his suitors.

"He had a good season for Dortmund last year as well, with five goals and three assists in 42 games, and he's a player who would fit the profile for United but I don't think he's their top target."

Man United's pursuit of Nmecha has come at a time when a number of clubs in the Premier League and across Europe are keeping a close eye on his situation.

Man City had previously been tipped as the leading contedners for his signature given his association with the club, but their pursuit of Elliot Anderson could open the door.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 16 June that Man City's interest in Nmecha has cooled, clearing the path for another club to move.

Man United have been tipped as that club given their ambitions of signing a new midfielder, but whether they are prepared to make a move remains to be seen.

Scouts have been impressed by Nmecha's displays, but with other options on their radar, Carrick's side may opt to look elsewhere.