Manchester United are looking to secure the free signing of Paulo Dybala, whose contract at Juventus expired this summer.

What’s the word?

That’s according to La Republicca (via Daily Mail), who claim that the Red Devils have made contact with Dybala’s agent.

They are said to face stiff competition from plenty of Europe’s elite, with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Inter Milan and Napoli all vying for the Argentine.

Erik ten Hag is looking at potential replacements in attack due to the reportedly outgoing Cristiano Ronaldo.

He can be Ronaldo’s heir

With Ronaldo potentially facing the Old Trafford exit door, United will be scrambling to replace his 18 league goals from last season.

Ten Hag has a huge challenge on his hands, returning the club to the Champions League where CR7 reportedly wants to be.

In Dybala however, they are guaranteed creativity to perhaps facilitate those around him.

Able to play across the whole front line and just behind the striker, the 28-year-old contributed 15 goals in just 29 appearances last season as Juventus struggled to a fourth-place finish.

The attacker, who is reportedly demanding £280k-per-week, was labelled an “extraordinary player” by his manager Max Allegri.

He also defended his early season form and stated: “He had to deal with some injuries in the first part of the season and everyone expects a lot from him, in terms of goals and performances. The player’s worth is not under question. Paulo is a great player.”

Whist he is a completely different kind of forward to the great Ronaldo, perhaps the Argentina international can play into Ten Hag’s system more effectively.

Dusan Tadic earned huge success, much to the surprise of Premier League fans, as he recorded 32 goal contributions both last season and in the 2020/21 season.

As incredibly similar players, both with bundles of technical ability, Dybala could certainly perform this role. He ranks in the 93rd percentile for progressive carries, the 98th percentile for progressive passes and the 96th percentile for shot-creating actions.

He is skilful, can score and assist, and seems like a perfect Ten Hag player. To sign him on a free, even on astronomical wages, would be a drop in the ocean compared to Ronaldo and could actually help the team perform even better.

AND, in other news: Ten Hag plotting Man Utd offer for "enormous" £10m "talent”, he's the next Vinicius Jr.