By Mark Weasley
Jose Mourinho is ready for a summer onslaught on Real Madrid, according to reports from Spain.
He has identified Toni Kroos, a long-term target for United, as the man to add more quality to his midfield. He has shown his ability to perform under intense pressure consistently, but most notably by pulling off an inch-perfect free-kick routine to score the winner for Germany in their crunch clash with Sweden on Saturday.
Kroos would also be the ideal replacement for Michael Carrick, who has joined the coaching staff this summer. Carrick might not have quite been at his best over the last two seasons, but his exit from the playing squad means we have nobody in the squad capable of either dictating play, or picking out the perfect pass from deep. Kroos carries out both of those tasks with proficiency that is almost unparalleled in world football.
The most pertinent question, therefore, is not whether United should sign Kroos, but whether the world-class German would fancy a move over here.
According to Daily Express, Kroos is open to leaving Madrid, having achieved everything he set out to do after arriving in 2014; winning 10 trophies including three Champions League. He has always spoken, too, of his desire to play in the Premier League.
Don Balon report that United will bid £70m for the former Bayern Munich man. Although, we would face a challenge from almost every other elite club in Europe and one would expect that incoming manager Julen Lopetegui will do all he can to keep the 28-year-old.
Kroos would be the ideal third signing of the summer if we could get it done – but business would not be straightforward.
