Manchester United Reportedly Make Toni Kroos Their Top Summer Transfer Target

Manchester United have reportedly made Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos their priority target for the summer transfer window.

According to Miguel Delaney of The Independent, the Germany international is not being pursued as a replacement for Paul Pogba, whose position at the club has come into question lately, but as someone who can play alongside the Frenchman and Nemanja Matic.

As noted in the report, the Red Devils have a longstanding interest in Kroos, with Madrid beating United to the playmaker's signature in the summer of 2014.

"While he is seen as a key player at the Bernabeu, word has got around the top European clubs that the Champions League holders will make some high-profile sales in the summer, as they seek to overhaul their squad and buy a huge star," Delaney wrote. "United are thereby willing to test how resistant they would be to selling Kroos."

It's also suggested Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Weigl is on United's radar, although Kroos is their priority. Delaney noted manager Jose Mourinho said last week he wants to sign another midfielder, with Michael Carrick set to hang up his boots at the end of the campaign.

As noted below by Kristof Terreur of Het Laatste Nieuws, the United boss has dismissed speculation the relationship between himself and Pogba is strained:

There have been concerns about the setup of the United midfield, though, with the partnership of Pogba and Matic in a 4-2-3-1 not bringing the best out of the France international in particular.

Someone in the playmaker mould would be to United's benefit and especially Pogba's, as the United No. 6 is at his best when given freedom to roam. Kroos has proved himself as one of the best at knitting things together in the middle of the pitch.

Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Per Phil Kitromilides of Real Madrid TV, the 28-year-old isn't renowned for his goals, but he's chipped in with a few this term:

Kroos' midfield mastery is what makes him stand out from so many other players in world football, though.

The German, alongside Luka Modric, has been the heartbeat of a team that has won the last two Champions League titles. On the ball, there aren't many better players in the world than Kroos, as he possesses a stunning passing range and expert delivery from set-piece situations.

He's a winner, too; not only has Kroos helped Real Madrid to two Champions League wins and a La Liga title, he was key to Germany lifting the FIFA World Cup in 2014.

Here's a look at what the former Bayern Munich man has already accomplished:

Although Madrid's squad has appeared in need of refreshing at times this season, it would be a huge shock if Los Blancos were willing to let a player of such pedigree depart.

Kroos has been a linchpin in the Madrid midfield since arriving and has the talent needed to boss matches at the highest level for many more years yet. And finding a footballer with the ability to do what he does on such a consistent basis would be a massive challenge for the European champions.