LIGUE 1 - This Senegal international could have signed for Manchester United

Manchester United reportedly missed out on the signing of the Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Idrissa Gueye last year because they were unable to sell the likes of Nemanja Matic and Jesse Lingard.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was desperate to land a specialist defensive midfielder in 2020 and West Ham United talisman Declan Rice had been his first choice.

The Hammers’ £100 million asking price for the player meant a deal was unlikely and the 20-time English champions moved their search elsewhere.

The 32-year-old caught the Red Devils’ eye during his time in the PL with Everton but the Toffees were reluctant to sell to a rival two years ago and the player moved to the French capital for a sum of around £30m.

Though he has impressed in France, Les Parisiens signed Georginio Wijnaldum last summer and Mauricio Pochettino is keen for greater mobility in the middle of the pitch.

United, therefore, explored the possibility of landing Gueye, with recruitment negotiator Matt Judge feeling he’d add some much-needed experience in the midfield.

However, United had to raise transfer funds through player sales if they were keen to make another significant addition.