Manchester United could be tempted to try and to use academy product Toby Collyer as a sweetener in any deal for a new midfielder this summer.
The Red Devils are keen to bolster their midfield ranks in the final few weeks of the transfer window, having already splashed the cash on four marquee signings. Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui have all arrived at Old Trafford, but Sir Jim Ratcliffe remains in the market for at least one new midfielder.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte is regarded as the top target in that department, but his significant price tag is a major sticking point in negotiations. As a result, cheaper alternatives are being eyed.
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Burnley’s Sander Berge and Nottingham Forest star Danilo are among those who have been linked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams as a result, and United could eye a smart deal for either of the pair by offering both clubs the chance to sign Collyer on loan as part of an agreement
The 20-year-old shone for the Red Devils in pre-season and there were speculative calls for the midfielder to be considered the midfielder that Erik ten Hag is looking for to replace Casemiro and partner Kobbie Mainoo.
However, being an unused substitute against Fulham on Friday evening suggests that Collyer is set for a bit-part role for United this season.
The former Brighton academy star has shown previously that he has what it takes to compete at the top level though and his progress could be accelerated even further by playing a full campaign of regular football.
With time running out in the transfer window, prizing a top midfielder away from any club could be a tough task and therefore sending Collyer in the opposite direction would be nothing short of a win-win scenario for the Red Devils.
The playmaker is likely to earn more opportunities at Turf Moor or at the City Ground, in comparison to a United team pushing for silverware on all fronts and with plenty of depth in midfield.
With Mason Mount fully fit and Christian Eriksen also yet to be granted a move elsewhere, United have the options available to allow Collyer to play regular football elsewhere, and if the youngster impresses then he could be in with a chance to replace Casemiro in 12 months’ time truly.
