Transfer News: Manchester United to rival Real Madrid in Eduardo Camavinga chase

Manchester United are reportedly set to rival Real Madrid in the race to sign highly-rated French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga.

According to an exclusive report by Metro, Manchester United have joined the race to sign Rennes starlet Eduardo Camavinga in the summer transfer window. The highly-rated French midfielder is also the subject of interest from Real Madrid.

Camavinga has made giant strides since breaking into the first-team setup at Rennes at the back end of last season. Back then, he had become the youngest ever player for the French club and he has not looked back since.

The teenage prodigy missed just one game when available, turning out 36 times in all competitions. His progress has made the highly-rated defensive midfielder a hot prospect in the transfer market. Real Madrid have been heavily linked with him for a while now, with Manchester United now joining Los Blancos in his pursuit.

Real Madrid have unearthed a fine prospect in Federico Valverde, with the Uruguayan midfielder already becoming a regular. However, the Spanish heavyweights need to be prepared to invest in another midfield talent, with Luka Modric in the twilight of his career.

It has also been reported that Modric could leave Real Madrid, specially amid an uncertain contract situation. As a result, Camavinga, who can play as a defensive midfielder equally adeptly as he can as a box-to-box midfielder, has emerged as a viable target for Real Madrid. But, Manchester United are now hoping to steal a march on the Merengues.

The Red Devils have seen the midfield department gradually start to flourish under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, which has been even more remarkable owing to the fact that Paul Pogba has missed large chunks of the season. But, Manchester United need to lay down the succession plan for Nemanja Matic, who has enjoyed a fine 2019-20 campaign.

As a result, they have been linked with a number of defensive midfielders, including Wilfred Ndidi. However, snapping Ndidi up seems to be nigh on impossible, with Leicester City unwilling to part with the Nigerian. Hence, Camavinga now seems to have appeared on the radar of Manchester United, who are looking to beat Real Madrid to his signature.

As per Metro, Manchester United believe that they can get ahead of Real Madrid in the race to sign Camavinga, as they are ready to loan the 17-year-old back to Rennes for the 2020-21 season. The report does not mention if Real Madrid are willing to offer the Ligue 1 outfit a similar deal.

Manchester United are also confident of agreeing a £25 million deal with Rennes for Camavinga, an amount that is much lower than the £60 million asking price. A player who fits in the profile of targets under Solskjaer, Camavinga could have a bright future at Manchester United. What now remains to be seen is if they can trump Real Madrid in the race to sign him.