Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Thiago Maia, Caner Erkin Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly set to join the race for Santos prodigy Thiago Maia, who has also been linked with a move to Chelsea.

That’s according to Jorge Nicola from ESPN Brazil (h/t Lucas Sposito of Sport Witness), who reports that the two English sides have been in touch with the Brazilian team over a deal for the 18-year-old. It’s suggested in the piece that both Bayer Leverkusen and Fiorentina are keen on the player, with the former sending scouts to keep an eye on him lately.

Maia has caused quite a stir in Brazil with some mature performances. Here is a look at why he is so highly rated:

Technically, the teenager possesses all the attributes you would expect from a Brazilian midfielder. On the ball, he is elegant and composed, which allows him time and space to dictate the course of games. However, Maia also has an engine, meaning he can have an impact on the field both in attack and defence.

The Selecao Brasileira Twitter feed were impressed with a recent display from Maia, tipping the player for big things:

"

Excellent 1st half performance by 18-yo Thiago Maia. Good defensively, technically and passes well. Can turn into the most complete BRA DM.

— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats2) March 6, 2016"

It’s clear he has ability and therefore no surprise to hear both of these Premier League juggernauts are keen on the player. For United, who have lacked industry and incision from midfield, he would tick a few boxes and add some youthful exuberance to an area in which they already have a lot of experience.

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But as impressive as Maia has been in the Santos first team, areas of his game are still a little green, as is the case with any young player. To smooth down these rough edges, he needs consistent time on the field in a regular position, not a money-spinning move to one of European football’s elite outfits.

Red Devils Eye Caner Erkin

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Another player the Red Devils and Chelsea will reportedly go head-to-head for is Fenerbahce full-back Caner Erkin, whose contract with the Turkish giants expires this summer.

That’s according to Sabah (h/t Max Miller of Metro), who have reported that the defender will wait until the season ends before making a final decision on his future, with English football’s top flight said to be his preferred destination at this juncture.

Erkin is certainly a reliable performer and a player who offers plenty in both defence and attack. Here is a closer examination of what he is all about:

Fenerbahce have been in fine form in the Super Lig this season and go into this weekend’s round of matches two points clear of Besiktas. Erkin hasn’t played a full part this season, with just nine starts, but in recent weeks, he’s been drafted into the side and impressed in the left-back berth.

As WhoScored.com’s Cristiano Acconci notes, while Erkin is a multifaceted footballer, he does have a little bit of a hot streak in his play:

On a free transfer, it’s only natural for some illustrious names to be interested, as Erkin, a Turkey international, would be a useful figure to have around the squad. The 27-year-old is an energetic presence who looks like he’d thrive in the Premier League and possesses the intelligence in the attacking third to cause opponents big problems.

But United don't seem like the right kind of fit. After all, left-back is a position where options are plentiful, with Luke Shaw set to return from injury next season. Cameron Borthwick-Jackson also impressed in his smattering of appearances, and it’d be a shame to see another player come in and potentially block his progression.