Erik ten Hag "obsessed" with £45m star but anti-Man Utd clause could complicate potential deal

Man United are reportedly keen on signing AC Milan loan star Brahim Diaz - but an unusual clause could potentially scupper any deal.

Erik ten Hag is on the lookout for another attacker to add to his squad.

There is major doubt over the future of Cristiano Ronaldo, whilst the Red Devils have been short up front at times this season due to Anthony Martial's injury issues.

Last month, the Daily Mirror claimed that Ten Hag put together a three-player shortlist to recruit in the forward position, with Bayer Leverkusen's Patrik Schick heading that list.

But the Manchester Evening News have since claimed that the Red Devils are not actively planning any incomings in January, meaning any further rebuild to the Dutchman's squad would have to wait until the summer.

Regardless, the rumour mill over potential signings is still in full flow - and the latest transfer link is certainly an intriguing one.

Brahim Diaz to Man United?

According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, Ten Hag is 'obsessed' with Diaz, and is determined to bring him to Old Trafford.

Diaz is currently on loan at the San Siro from parent club Real Madrid - his third consecutive season at the club on a temporary arrangement.

it is claimed that the Spaniard would cost around €55 million to sign permanently, but Milan have an option to buy him on a permanent deal when his loan deal ends.

Given Brahim's career development in Italy - he has 18 goal contributions since initially joining Milan in 2020 - it would perhaps make sense for the 23-year-old to join permanently.

The other issue for United is that Diaz used to play for Man City. Whilst this, on its own, would not present a huge problem, Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport reported in October that City inserted an 'anti-Man Utd clause' in the deal to sell him to Real Madrid.

This means Pep Guardiola's side would receive around €22 million (40 per cent) of the rumoured fee if a deal was completed.

Therefore, whilst United would no doubt strengthen their squad with the signing of Diaz, they would also be directly strengthening the financial position of their city rivals.

Whether that is a decision Ten Hag is willing to take remains to be seen.