Manchester United have reportedly escalated their efforts to sign one of Europe's most coveted young midfield talents, Olympiacos starlet Christos Mouzakitis.
Scouting Mission in Greece
The Red Devils are said to have sent representatives to Greece last week to watch the 18-year-old in action during Olympiacos's thrilling 4-3 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid. According to reports, United have 'ramped up their interest' in the teenage sensation by having scouts present at the match to assess his performance on the biggest stage.
Mouzakitis, who won the Tuttosport Golden Ball Web award earlier this week, did not disappoint, catching the eye with his display against the Spanish giants. Intriguingly, Real Madrid themselves are among the clubs closely monitoring his development, giving them a firsthand look at his prodigious talent.
A Crowded Field of Suitors
The Greek midfielder is the subject of intense interest from a host of Europe's elite clubs. His valuation is currently set at around £40 million by his club, but that figure is expected to rise as the January transfer window approaches.
In the Premier League, Arsenal and Aston Villa are also credited with a serious interest in Mouzakitis. Beyond England's shores, the list of admirers includes European powerhouses Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, and Juventus, setting the stage for a potential bidding war.
United's Midfield Rebuild Plans
This pursuit aligns with Manchester United's anticipated focus on rebuilding their midfield in 2026. After investing heavily in their attack last summer, manager Ruben Amorim and the club's hierarchy are expected to turn their attention to reinforcing the engine room.
While it remains unclear if a move for Mouzakitis will be formalised in January, United continue to be linked with several other midfield options. Wolves' João Gomes is a persistent name in the rumour mill and could be a more immediate target, especially given Wolves' struggles at the foot of the Premier League table. Gomes, however, will miss the upcoming match against United due to suspension.
Other players like Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson, and Adam Wharton have also been mentioned as potential targets for the Old Trafford club as they plan their long-term midfield strategy.