This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

According to German publication Bild, Manchester United are interested in signing Denis Zakaria, but face stiff competition from rivals from the Premier League and abroad.

What's the word?

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side look short on depth and quality in central midfield, following a lack of replacements for the likes of Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini this calendar year. Paul Pogba's recent injury troubles have simply exacerbated the problem, and Bild's report is certainly welcome news for the United faithful.

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It claims the Red Devils are set to battle Tottenham for Zakaria's signature, but are also likely to face competition from European giants Inter, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. The report adds the midfielder is in high demand following some impressive displays for Monchengladbach and Switzerland respectively.

Powerhouse

Make no mistake about it, Zakaria's physical profile makes him the kind of player that would fit well into the pace and physicality of the Premier League. The Switzerland international stands at an imposing 6 foot 2, and has built his game around being an all-action type of player.

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In seven games in the Bundesliga, the 22-year-old averages 0.9 shots, 2.9 dribbles and 2.3 tackles per game - evidence of a dynamic central midfielder who contributes immensely at both ends of the pitch. His performances are a key reason behind why Monchengladbach are the surprise leaders of the German top-flight, after picking up 16 points from their opening seven matches.

His promise has seen him earn remarkable plaudits from a host of people, not least Germany legend Lothar Matthaus.

"I'm glad that Gladbach have found another pearl. At his age I was earning my first stripes for Borussia. He reminds me of Toni Kroos at that age."

Having been linked with a move for Kroos a few seasons before, swooping for Zakaria would ease some of the regrets of missing out on the now Real Madrid star. If the Red Devils can fend off the reportedly intense competition for his services, they would be pulling off a major coup.