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Manchester United are reportedly readying a formal bid for Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare after being ‘swept off their feet’ by his performances, according to media reports from France.

While the Red Devils have already agreed to sign Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalanta as a replacement for Casemiro, it is believed that INEOS executives are eager to add at least one more midfielder this summer, with Uruguayan Manuel Ugarte expected to depart Old Trafford.

Elliot Anderson has been one of United’s key targets, but the 23-year-old is said to favour a transfer to Manchester City. City have reportedly made a second verbal offer to Nottingham Forest for the England international’s signature.

Journalist David Ornstein revealed on Wednesday that ‘the bid is worth £106million with potential add-ons taking it in excess of £120m’. However, according to The Athletic, Nottingham Forest are seeking a fixed fee that would surpass the £125m British record Liverpool paid Newcastle United for Alexander Isak last summer.

Following City’s formal bid for Anderson, journalist Ben Jacobs reported that Manchester United have withdrawn from the race for their ‘dream target’ and have shifted their focus towards other midfield options.

He wrote on X: ‘Manchester United view the cost as too high despite seeing Anderson as their dream target. They are in talks with Matheus Fernandes. Alex Scott and Carlos Baleba remain other names on their radar.’

However, French outlet Foot Mercato claims that Manchester United have now added Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare to their shortlist and are preparing a concrete offer for the 23-year-old.

The Mali international joined the Ligue 1 side from Rapid Vienna last summer for £7m and went on to make 39 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing four assists. His impressive season earned him the Marc-Vivien Foé award, given to the best African player in the French top flight.

Known as a high-energy box-to-box midfielder, Sangare has been described in the report as ‘a real monster in the middle of the field’.

Speaking to RFI recently, Sangare said: “I love defending against opponents. I’ve really improved in that area… I enjoy that aspect of my game because winning the ball back gives me real satisfaction.”

According to the report, ‘a dozen European clubs’, including several Premier League sides, are showing interest in Sangare. However, Manchester United are ‘particularly determined’ to secure his signature. The player is currently valued at €40m (£35m) by Transfermarkt, though his final transfer fee could go higher if multiple clubs join the race this summer.

Having been ‘captivated’, United are said to be preparing an official offer for the recent Coupe de France winner. It is also reported that Lens accept it will be ‘impossible’ to keep hold of their star midfielder this transfer window.

The report concludes: ‘On the Lens side, and despite a contract that runs until 2030, the club is inevitably preparing to lose their prized asset. Aware of the growing interest from more than a dozen clubs, RC Lens understand that it will be nearly impossible to retain him.’