New Man United ‘target’ might be worth ignoring transfer plan for

But the Reds cannot rest on their laurels. Ineos are well aware that United's squad needs strengthening if they are to compete across four competitions next season.

United will have to spend big if they are to recruit a player capable of filling Casemiro's shoes at Old Trafford, and so they will need to be shrewd when looking to strengthen other areas of the squad. One way of doing that would be to look at the relegated Premier League teams.

Wolves' Joao Gomes is on United's radar but a move to Atletico Madrid looks likely. Either West Ham or Tottenham will join Wolves and Burnley in the Championship next season, with Nuno Espirito Santo's side the favourites to go down. If they don't avoid the drop, one player who is almost certain to leave is Jarrod Bowen.

A number of clubs are expected to be interested in him, including United, according to The Guardian. Despite his Premier League experience, a move for Bowen wouldn't really fit within Ineos' transfer plan.

At 29, Bowen doesn't fit into the 'up and coming' bracket that Ineos have targeted since their arrival at Old Trafford. Last summer, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha signed for United in their mid-20s, Benjamin Sesko was just 22 and Senne Lammens just 23. Bowen is 30 in December.

That being said, there is reason for them to ignore that blueprint with Bowen. He has returned a solid ten goals and 11 assists this season, despite relegation fears. And adding another leader to this young squad would be another positive.

The Reds may look to sign a striker in the summer. Joshua Zirkzee is not up to scratch and that leaves just Sesko up top if the Dutchman leaves. If Bowen were to join United, it would give them another option out wide and allow Mbeumo to fill in at centre-forward when needed.

United may find the hunt for a new striker difficult this summer. There is not an abundance of centre-forwards available and taking a punt on another young player seems risky.

Signing Bowen certainly isn't a risk-free move, but if West Ham are relegated on Sunday then United could do a lot worse than to try and tempt him to Old Trafford.

Even he isn't the type of profile Ineos would usually look to sign.