Manchester United are weighing up a bid for Real Sociedad central midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo report that the La Liga outfit are braced for interested in the 23-year-old anchorman.
He signed a new contract in October, which lasts until 2027, but the report says that should not necessarily put United off.
The midfielder insisted on a 60 million euro (£52 million) release clause being inserted in that deal, and he has one eye on an exit.
Zubimendi liked by United
That is a price that United could afford to pay if they decide to push through with their interest in Zubimendi.
Barcelona are also said to be interested, although it remains to be seen how much money they will have this summer. Recently, they have been focusing more on free transfers.
United have had the opportunity to see Zubimendi up close twice this season, in the Europa League clashes home and away with Sociedad.
Zubimendi played the full 90 minutes in both those games and of course picked up a win at Old Trafford which ultimately ended up pushing United into second place in the group.
That has set up a play-off clash with Barcelona in what will be a hugely anticipated occasion when European football resumes in February.
It has been reported that United are willing to let Fred leave on a free transfer at the end of the season when his contract runs out.
If United do that then they will need another midfielder through the door and Zubimendi could be that man if United pay up.
It seems more likely that transaction would get done in the summer and the report says Sociedad are not expecting much business to occur for them in January.