Man Utd prepare extraordinary move for Leeds player after watching him dominate Old Trafford

Manchester United are among three Premier League teams interested in a player from bitter rivals Leeds United after his outstanding performance at Old Trafford.

United slipped to a 2-1 defeat against their bitter rivals on Monday evening for the first time in 16 years.

Two goals from Noah Okafor were enough for Daniel Farke's side to run out victors against a United side playing their first game in 23 days.

The home side looked sluggish throughout, with things going from bad to worse in the second half when Lisandro Martinez received a red card for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair.

Despite the loss, United are still likely to qualify for next season's Champions League thanks to a seven-point gap over sixth-placed Chelsea.

It'll result in significant investment this summer, and midfield is said to be a priority. Casemiro has already announced he'll be leaving upon the expiry of his contract, while Manuel Ugarte will likely move on after failing to settle since his £42 million move from Paris Saint-Germain.

Per TEAMtalk, United chiefs were watching their last game closely, and Ao Tanaka's showing caught their eye, as well as head coach Michael Carrick's.

Tanaka started his first Premier League game since January and was unlucky to come away without a goal following a goal-line clearance from Martinez.

His energy proved too much for Casemiro and Ugarte, who looked lethargic in the middle of the park.

The Japan international is open to leaving Leeds at the end of the season and would be a cheap pick-up for United. A fee of £15 million is the starting point, which would still be a profit on a player signed from Fortuna Düsseldorf for £2.9 million in 2024.

However, it won't be plain sailing for the Red Devils, who are in desperate need of reinforcements.

Newcastle United and Everton are also keen on Tanaka, who would prefer to stay in the Premier League than return to Germany.

Tanaka wouldn't be a resurgent United's first-choice midfield target. Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Sandro Tonali are the four names of interest, although they'd all cost a premium and have interest from other elite clubs.

United have already made calls to Nottingham Forest about Anderson, although as have Manchester City on the other side of Manchester.