Man Utd are 'stepping up' efforts to sign one of World Cup's standout performers who played at Man City

Manchester United are interested in signing one of the standout performers at this summer's World Cup, according to reports, as the club 'step up their pursuit' of the in-form player.

United want to sign at least two midfielders this summer and, alongside Brazil international Ederson, who is on the verge of completing a £35 million move from Atalanta, a host of names have been linked.

West Ham’s Matheus Fernandes continues to be mentioned as a potential recruit, although Spurs are edging closer to an agreement for the £85 million-rated midfielder.

In fact, the club are willing to pay £65 million up front, with the remainder of the fee coming in add-ons and performance-related bonuses, according to TEAMtalk, who claim a deal is 'advancing rapidly'.

So, who could be his alternative? Just hours after the Fernandes news emerged, it has been reported that United are stepping up their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha.

Nmecha, who has impressed for Germany at the World Cup, is being tracked by a host of clubs, including Real Madrid, Liverpool and former club Manchester City, who released him in 2021.

But it appears United are intensifying their efforts to sign the 25-year-old, according to Sky reporter Patrick Berger.

Felix Nmecha, Deniz Undav and Jamal Musiala celebrate Germany's 2-1 win over Ivory Coast. Image credit: Getty

Christopher Vivell, Manchester United's director of recruitment, is said to be in close contact with Nmecha's camp.

"A move to the Premier League is viewed as a realistic option in the future. But for now Nmecha is happy at Dortmund and fully focused on the World Cup with Germany," added Berger.

How much will Manchester United need to fork out?

Nmecha has plenty of suitors, which places Borussia Dortmund in a commanding position when it comes to negotiations.

In fact, the German club have placed a €100million (£86m) price tag on the former Wolfsburg man, according to German publication Kicker.

Gary Neville is a huge fan of the former Manchester City player

Speaking after Germany's victory over the Ivory Coast last week, Gary Neville was full of praise for Nmecha, who spent 13 years at City without making a Premier League appearance for the club.

"The more he plays like he did the other night the more expensive he’ll get," Neville told ITV.

"But at the moment, we hear Manchester United are being quoted £100 million for the West Ham boy Fernandes, so they’re going to have to be looking around this tournament and parts of Europe.

"He looked outstanding the other night, it looked like he had absolutely everything."