Manchester United are ready to make a concrete push to sign Martin Zubimendi this summer after reports in Spain revealed they have ‘learned at first hand’ of Erik ten Hag’s wishes to sign the star.

The Red Devils have made significant strides during the Dutchman’s first season in charge. Having already ended their trophy drought in the Carabao Cup, they will be hoping to prevent Manchester City repeating their 1999 Treble by defeating them in the FA Cup final.

More importantly, United can also seal a return to the Champions League as long as they finish higher than at least one of Liverpool and Newcastle.

Having spent around £216m last summer, United decided to keep their powder relatively dry in the January window. And with the Dutchman planning instead to spend big again in the summer market, plans are already in place to further strengthen the squad.

Indeed, the United manager is looking for at least three blockbuster signings to further close that gap on City.

As such, a new striker is very much at the top of Ten Hag’s wishlist.

However, the United manager is also looking to bolster his defence. And reports claim a deal for Napoli’s Kim Min-jae is as good as agreed, with the Red Devils paying around €55m for the Napoli star.

Ten Hag, though, is also considering options to strengthen in midfield. To that end, Casemiro has proved a beacon of light during his debut season in the Premier League. Now signing a quality performer to play alongside him and add further steel to the midfield is on Ten Hag’s agenda.

READ MORE: The five strikers heavily linked with Man Utd and how they compare in 2022/23: Kane, Osimhen…

Man Utd making Martin Zubimendi a priority target

And while a deal for long-term target Frenkie de Jong looks beyond them, they could have more success in chasing another Spain-based star.

Now according to Mundo Deportivo, Real Sociedad have ‘learned first hand’ that United see Zubimendi as a priority summer target.

Per their report, United are keeping a close eye on the ‘dazzling’ 24-year-old, who’s enjoying a brilliant season. Indeed, he has featured in 41 games with Imanol Alguacil’s side on track to secure Champions League qualification.

Currently fourth, Zubimendi – who wears the No 3 shirt – has been at the forefront of their push for the UCL.

He first came to Ten Hag’s attention after starring against United in Europa League, as confirmed by this TEAMtalk exclusive.

And having followed him since, the report claims Ten Hag is ‘seduced’ by the player and is making his signing a most urgent priority.

They claim United are ‘willing to double his salary’ despite the 24-year-old committing to a new deal earlier this season.

That currently ties him to Sociedad until summer 2027. However, the €60m exit clause in the deal certainly presents them with a problem.

Release clause set at €60m for Sociedad star

And that appears nowhere near high enough with Sociedad preparing themselves for strong interest in their star this summer.

The article claims they are yet to receive a concrete approach, however. And, despite rival interest from Arsenal and Barcelona, they remain confident of retaining his services.

That’s primarily because the player has made clear his wishes previously to stay loyal to his hometown club.

And with Champions League qualification as good as secured, there appears a confidence he will stick around for at least one more season.

However, were United to meet Sociedad’s release clause – as well MD expect them to do so – then they at least have an obligation to let the player speak with Ten Hag’s side if he so wishes.

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The article Man Utd make ‘dazzling’ Spanish midfielder ‘most urgent priority’ with Ten Hag ‘seducing’ star with double-your-money offer appeared first on Teamtalk.com.