Benni McCarthy may have already revealed which player Man Utd plan to sign if Mason Mount bid fails

Manchester United first-team coach Benni McCarthy has hinted at who the Old Trafford club may try and sign should they fail in their attempts to bring in Mason Mount.

Last week Chelsea rejected a third United bid for Mount, reportedly worth £50million plus an additional £5m in add-ons.

Since, the Athletic claim a counter-proposal of £58million plus £7million in add-ons has since been made by the Stamford Bridge club as the two sides look to reach an agreement.

Chelsea and United will allegedly hold direct talks this week in the hopes of completing a deal.

However, should they fail in their attempts to sign the midfielder, McCarthy has hinted at the club’s contingency plan.

McCarthy ‘hints’ at Mount alternative

McCarthy hinted at United’s interest in Taylor Booth, which dates back 12 months.

In an interview with 947 Joburg earlier in June, McCarthy explained he inadvertently had Booth to thank for him getting the job at United.

He explained: “Erik ten Hag came in and he spoke to my agent Rob Moore about one of the players that was playing in Holland and he asked Rob about an American player that Rob also managed.

“They were just speaking about that and once the conversation had ended, he said to him, ‘By the way, how’s Benni?'”

US international Booth, who plies his trade at FC Utrecht, is reportedly also managed by Moore.

Indeed, on Monday Sports Mail claimed Erik ten Hag maintains strong links with Utrecht, who he managed from 2015 to 2017 and has been impressed by Booth. As of yet, they have allegedly not yet made an approach for the skilful 22-year-old.

While the Old Trafford club’s focus is still on Mount, they are exploring other possible midfielders. To sign Booth however United face competition from the likes of Celta Vigo, Stuttgart and Lyon.

Celta in particular are in the market for a midfielder given Gabri Veiga could be sold this window. Liverpool and Chelsea have both been linked with moves for Veiga.