Manchester United could secure their ideal heir to Juan Mata after being linked with a move for RB Leipzig forward Dani Olmo.

What's the story?

According to Spanish outlet Marca, United are among several clubs interested in securing the highly-rated 23-year-old's services after his boyhood club Barcelona failed with a last-minute bid over the summer.

Marca’s report states: “Barcelona continues to want to incorporate the forward, either in the winter market or next summer. However, it is very difficult to know what is going to happen at this point. First of all, because other clubs such as Manchester United, Juventus or Bayern also have their sights set on the footballer.”

He could be Juan Mata's ideal heir

Olmo only joined Leipzig in January 2020 following five successful seasons with Dinamo Zagreb. He joined the Croatian outfit in search of regular game-time and didn't have to wait long to be rewarded for his decision.

He became the youngest foreign player to feature for Dinamo Zagreb after making his debut at 16 years and nine months old, showcasing his incredible potential from a very early age.

In 124 appearances at the Stadion Maksimir, Olmo bagged 34 goals and provided 28 assists, playing a pivotal part in five league title victories and three domestic cup successes, as well as being named player of the year on two occasions.

His impressive exploits earned him a move to one of German football's biggest forces, and instantly caught the eye of his then-manager Julian Nagelsmann.

"The Bundesliga has a higher pace than the Croatian league, so it takes some time to adjust physically. But he was extremely hard-working, won the ball a lot of times, and defended very robustly," Nagelsmann said in the wake of a 5-0 victory over Mainz back in 2020 (as relayed by bulinews.com).

"He has exceptional abilities and is very safe with the ball. When he gets put under pressure, he knows how to provoke a foul," the current Bayern Munich boss added.

After already clocking up 12 goals and 13 assists in 62 games for Leipzig, as well as three goals and four assists in 16 outings for his senior national side, the Spaniard could be on the move once again over the coming months.

Although many of Europe's heavyweights are keen on the creative talent's signature, it's arguably United who should be at the front of the queue when the next transfer window opens.

With Mata, Edinson Cavani, Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard all out of contract next summer and Anthony Martial's future far from secure, the need for a versatile, supremely-talented attacker could be great at Old Trafford.

Due to the Spanish connection, style of play and technical qualities, it's Mata with whom Olmo is most closely aligned out of the aforementioned stars, and Old Trafford football director John Murtough must sanction a move for the 23-year-old maestro, ensuring that United maintain their current progression.

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