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Man Utd target Youri Tielemans revealed what is key to determining his next step after a report explained why the Red Devils are worried about their preferred choice.

The upcoming summer is shaping up to be a pivotal one at Old Trafford. Manchester United will appoint a permanent manager with Ajax’s Erik Ten Hag the current favourite with the bookies.

That will be the first step, though the bigger issue of what to do with United’s squad will then be addressed.

United’s midfield is one area that has frequently drawn scathing criticism in its current guise.

The Scott McTominay-Fred partnership does not lack for effort, though there have always been doubts as to whether that’s a tandem that can guide United to major honours.

What’s more, Paul Pogba is due to leave as a free agent. If his latest explosive comments are anything to go by, he won’t look back on his time in Manchester fondly.

Now, the Manchester Evening News report addressing their central midfield issues is the main objective in the market this summer. In their words, United will ‘prioritise’ that position over all others.

It’s claimed West Ham ace Declan Rice remains the club’s No1 target. The 23-year-old has developed into an elite all-around operator under David Moyes, though his value will reflect his rapid rise.

Indeed, Rice is likely to cost a nine-figure sum and it’s noted United have ‘concerns’ over that type of fee. What’s more, financing such a deal would be difficult if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

That could prompt a move for one of their alternative targets, and that’s where Youri Tielemans comes in.

The Leicester favourite, 24, is out of contract at the end of next season.

That’s sparked speculation the Foxes could cash in this summer with a new contract looking increasingly unlikely.

And while on international duty with Belgium, Tielemans was quizzed about his future plans.

Tielemans ready to step up

The Belgian insisted his sole focus over the next few months remains doing all he can for Leicester. However, he then acknowledged his lofty ambitions which can only be realised by playing in the Champions League.

As such, United’s chances of securing a summer swoop may rest on overhauling Arsenal for fourth spot.

“I don’t worry about it [speculation],” Tielemans told Belgian outlet Het Laatste Nieuws. “I want to get the most out of myself this season and finish as high as possible with the team.

“Of course, I want to play in the Champions League, just like any footballer.

“Am I ready for a European top club? I’m ready to get the best out of my career. We’ll see what happens next summer, or the summer after that.”

A second alternative to Rice is Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. Two reports from the Italian press have explained why that’s a move that could be made this summer.

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