MANCHESTER UNITED are planning a summer swoop for Newcastle midfield hardman Cheick Tiote.
And they are also ready to go head-to-head with Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid for Portugal star William Carvalho.
United boss David Moyes is desperate to rebuild his squad in the next transfer window following a woeful season.
Moyes has spent the last few weeks scouring Europe for new talent and has made both midfielders and defenders his main priority.
He tried to sign Ivory Coast international Tiote during his Everton days.
And United also enquired about the 27-year-old during last month’s transfer window.
He is regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League and Moyes has identified him as the ideal replacement for Michael Carrick.
With Newcastle preparing to cash in on Yohan Cabaye, there was never any chance of Tiote being allowed to quit the club in January.
But his representatives have been made aware of United’s interest through a third party and are expecting United to table a bid at the end of the season.
Starsport understands Moyes sent a team of scouts to watch Carvalho in action for Sporting Lisbon before the European transfer window closed.
It is understood Carvalho impressed United staff, with Moyes now considering a summer bid for the 21-year-old.
Carvalho made his Portugal debut as a substitute in the second leg of their World Cup play-off triumph against Sweden in November.
He is regarded as one of the most promising young midfielders in Europe.
But it looks like Moyes faces a tough battle to lure Carvalho to Old Trafford before the start of next season, which is why he is keeping his options open in terms of other targets.
Both Barca and Real bosses have also been tracking Carvalho and could join United in a bidding war this summer.
Carvalho is under contract until 2018 and has a release clause in his deal worth an estimated £37m.
Daily Star