Manchester United may well prioritise their attack over the next few months as they look to speed up play and share the goals around the team more next season under Jose Mourinho.
But another aching problem in the United side is how to replace the imperious Michale Carrick. Carrick has been a quietly brilliant servant to the club through the most successful period in their history and getting someone to take the reigns is not going to be easy.
But it’s an area of the squad which should see investment this summer and the latest reports on the continent suggest that Jose may have targeted another Frenchman for the role of anchor man.
Le Parisien reports (via Sky Sports):
Blaise Matuidi will be allowed to leave PSG in the summer for €10-15m (£8.3-£12m). He has offers from England and Spain, with Manchester United at the front of the queue for his signature. (Le Parisien)
The France International, who has won 56 caps for his country since his debut in 2010, has been an unsung hero for club side PSG too over the last half dozen years. He has appeared 283 times and scored 32 goals with an average of over 45 games per season.
Whether the French giants would let such a metronomic player in his prime leave for Manchester United remains to be seen. But at the age of 30 the player may fancy a new challenge and one more big contract before he hangs up his boots.
The connection with countryman Paul Pogba is strong and obvious. These two have anchored the France midfield for years and would surely settle quickly together at Manchester United.
Matuidi’s présence would, like that of Carrick, allow Pogba to trot forward at will in the knowledge that the back door is bolted.
Manchester United fans: would he be a wise addition or an expensive veteran?