Manchester United 'scout' midfielder wanted by Man City and other transfer rumours

Manchester United are busy preparing for their FA Cup clash against Liverpool this weekend.

United host their bitter rivals at Old Trafford in the quarter-final of the competition this Sunday. The Reds have the opportunity to win a major trophy for the second consecutive season under manager Erik ten Hag with the FA Cup.

In the Premier League, United remain in sixth place going into the international break. After facing Liverpool, Ten Hag and Co. will not return to action until March 30 to face Brentford in the top flight.

With several weeks remaining in the season, rumours are already beginning to swirl around the business United could complete in the summer transfer window. Several players have already been linked with a move to Old Trafford at the end of the season, and the latest rumours concern two midfielders who could be targets for the Reds.

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United are reportedly interested in signing Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.

According to Spanish news outlet COPE, Merino's form for Sociedad has caught the attention of several clubs across Europe, including United. It's been reported that Manchester City, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are also interested in signing the former Newcastle midfielder.

The report claims that Merino has a release clause in his contract, which is set to expire in 2025, worth €60 million (£51 million). It has been speculated that Sociedad are concerned about losing Merino on a free transfer when his contract expires, with United and other teams sending scouts to watch the midfielder in action in recent months.

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