Manchester United's stance on midfield target Yves Bissouma has taken a fresh direction.

What's the word?

That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who has stated in his column for Caught Offside that the Malian midfielder remains on the Red Devils' radar.

The Italian has given further detail as to United's present stance on the 25-year-old, revealing: "There was much talk about Yves Bissouma a few months ago, but it’s gone a little quiet recently.

"Arsenal have been following him for months but the priority is to understand if they can complete the Youri Tielemans deal, while Manchester United have yet to decide who will be the final priority target of the midfield. As I’ve written before, it could be more likely that they pursue Frenkie de Jong, but there are challenges with that deal."

Yet to decide

As Romano states, there was "much talk" about £31.5m-rated brute Bissouma a few months ago, but it's a move which has taken a back seat whilst the likes of De Jong are eyed as priority targets.

Taking that assertion for what it is, United have inadvertently made a decision by placing the Barcelona midfielder as a primary target.

Whether Ten Hag will decide to sign two midfielders this summer remains to be seen, but as it stands, it seems as though De Jong is the main focus for the club.

If United were to sign the Mali international from Brighton, they would have an unbelievably sound defensive option in central midfield, with Bissouma's match averages of 2.13 tackles and 2.34 interceptions placing him in the 89th and 86th percentiles respectively amongst positionally similar players in Europe's top five leagues over the past year, as per FBRef.

Even if Ten Hag is to secure the signing of De Jong, Bissouma would still be an advisable transfer, as he could allow the Dutch midfielder more freedom in the middle third in the knowledge that the Malian is doing the dirty work behind him.

Yet to decide or biding their time? Either way, United should continue monitor the Brighton midfielder's situation this summer, as his diligence in the engine room is something that Ten Hag might need to help improve upon the Red Devils' abysmal concession rate of 57 Premier League goals from the most recent campaign.

In other news - Bid submitted: MUFC now in talks for "outrageous" £68.3m signing, he's Ten Hag's dream