“Exchange Offer” | Manchester United are interested in West Ham’s Edson Alvarez

Manchester United could make a move for West Ham star Edson Alvarez this summer as Erik ten Hag look for a new defensive midfielder, according to Fabrizio Romano.

West Ham and Manchester United are currently in advanced negotiations for Aaron Wan-Bissaka to swap Manchester for East London. That could come in handy for United, who could use these negotiations as a way to get a move for the Mexican midfielder over the line.

The Red Devils are looking for quality in defensive midfield to play alongside England star Kobbie Mainoo as Sofyan Amrabat has returned to his parent club Fiorentina, Casemiro continues to decline and Scott McTominay prefers to play in a more attacking role. Erik ten Hag knows Alvarez very well from his time in charge of Ajax. The Mexican presented 103 under the Dutchman, he scored nine goals and provided three decisive assists.

West Ham, who also lack depth in the defensive midfield position, would be very hesitant to let the Mexico captain leave as he is now the only senior defensive midfielder at the club after selling Flynn Downes to Southampton . Alvarez is also a strong contender alongside Max Kilman and Jarrod Bowen, who will captain the club this summer.

However, United have other targets as well as the West Ham star, which would probably be more likely to happen. Paris Saint Germain’s Manuel Ugarte appears to be their main target. The Red Devils have agreed personal terms with the Uruguayan, completed with ease as Ugarte has the same agent as Manchester United’s latest signing Leny Yoro, Jorge Mendes. Discussions between clubs continue, but other clubs have also inquired.

PSG are reportedly demanding €70m for Ugarte, which United sporting director Dan Ashworth is unwilling to match. That would make a move for Alvarez unlikely, as the Hammers would demand at least that much for the man Tim Steidten signed for €38m last summer.

Benfica’s Joao Neves is a major target for Erik ten Hag. However, the 19-year-old could cost around £100m, which would likely be too much for a club without Champions League football. This would make moves for Alvarez and Ugarte more likely, so Hammers fans will be hoping that ten Hag opts for a move for Ugarte.

Alvarez suffered a thigh injury in the first match of Mexico’s Copa America campaign against Michail Antonio’s Jamaica. Despite being sidelined for a number of weeks, it may keep him out for the start of the season. The captain remained with the team to lend his support as captain.

On the injury, Lopetegui said: “We’re crossing our fingers. I had a big accident with Edson. It’s not good news because he’s an important player.” Speaking to US sports network CBS, he said: “We love (Alvarez’s) passion and we understand it’s a big part of his game. But sometimes you have to understand when to show less passion and stay focused on the game. Alvarez is a great player for this club and for the project.”