Manchester United transfer news: Tiemoue Bakayoko v Eric Dier – comparing Jose Mourinho’s midfield targets
Manchester United have secured their top striking target in Romelu Lukaku and now Jose Mourinho is looking to strenghten elsewhere.
The Red Devils also reinforced the centre of defence with the addition of Victor Lindelof from Benfica and the Portuguese boss is targeting a strong, tough-tackling midfielder.
Nemanja Matic's Old Trafford move from Chelsea now appears to be off, after the Premier League champions' annoyance at being beaten to the signing of Lukaku, and United are in the hunt for Tiemoue Bakayoko or Eric Dier.
READ MORE: Manchester United plot £40m swoop to steal Tiemoue Bakayoko from Chelsea
To anger the west Londoners further, Bakayoko appeared set to be heading to Chelsea and United are looking to hijack a deal for the Monaco midfield star, 22.
They have reportedly told the Ligue 1 champions they will better the Blues' £37.5m bid in order to bring him to the club.
Other reports also suggest Mourinho has told United to make a £60m move for Tottenham and England midfielder Dier, 23.
United have already spent over £100m this summer on Lukaku and Lindelof and Mourinho wants Ed Woodward to make the north Londoners an offer they cannot refuse.
Securing either midfielder would be a major coup for Man United and Mourinho ahead of a big season which will see them target the Premier League title as well as returning to the Champions League.
Bakayoko is a player who possesses power and vision and comparisons have been made with Yaya Toure, who was at Monaco for a similar stage of his career, due to his all-round style of play and the ability to carry the ball up field from deep positions. Bakayoko is a tall, imposing player who is quick in the centre of the park and his reading of the game gets better and better with experience.
Dier, meanwhile, would be an asset in the centre of midfield, but also due to the fact he can fill in a number of positions, such as centre-back and right-back. He tends to keep his game simple, staying deep while allowing his more creative teammates to get forward. His extremely intelligent positioning means he reads the game excellently. He is good on and off the ball and is not scared of getting stuck in.
But which signing would be better for the Red Devils?
talkSPORT have taken a look at both players' 2016/17 statistics* for comparison...
Bakayoko v Dier
3268 - Minutes played - 4002
2731 - Touches - 3223
2027 - Total passes - 2674
87% - Pass completion - 86.3%
91 - Tackles won - 47
19 - Chances created - 19
1 - Assists - 1
57.9% - Successful duels - 55.8%
*According to Football Whispers.
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