Manchester United are reportedly in talks to sign former Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone in a surprise transfer.
The Red Devils have been desperate to land a new deep-lying midfield player this summer but the saga with top target Frenkie de Jong has rumbled on and the chances of him joining now look increasingly slim.
However, United could have a new arrival in that area very soon in Huddlestone, though he is not expected to be a signing for the first-team.
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The 35-year-old is a free agent after leaving Hull City for a second time at the end of last season, where he featured 11 times in the Championship.
According to Mike McGrath from The Telegraph, United are looking to draft Huddlestone as a "hybrid player" - essentially meaning he will play for the club's Under 23 side as well as take up a coaching position in the academy set-up.
With his career winding down, Huddlestone has been looking to get into coaching and this role could provide the perfect experience to start out with.
He would be following the path taken by former Sunderland and Republic of Ireland Paul McShane. After his release by Rochdale in July 2021, the United youth product returned to the club as a player-coach in idea which came from head of Academy, Nick Cox.
McShane played a handful of games for the Under 23's before retiring and transitioning into a full-time position as a Professional Development Phase coach
In Premier League 2 fixtures, teams are allowed to register five over-age outfield players and one goalkeeper.
Huddlestone fits the bill and would be able to give vital advice to United's youngsters on the pitch during games.
After joining from Derby County, he played for Spurs for eight seasons, playing 209 times and scoring 15 goals.
Huddlestone was also capped four times by England, his debut coming against Brazil in 2009.
Topics: Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United, Premier League
Josh Lawless