Manchester United are set to pursue the signing of Watford star midfielder, Abdoulaye Doucoure this summer, as Jose Mourinho looks to strengthen his midfield for next season.

The French midfielder has been Watford’s stand-out performer this season, having already scored seven Premier League goals this season, a tally which surprisingly makes him the Hornet’s top goal scorer so far this campaign.

The combative 25-year-old’s performances have caught the eye of United boss Mourinho, who is thought to want to strengthen again in midfield and defensive areas this summer, in order to once again compete with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

Doucoure can be best described as a box-to-box midfielder, who has a combative nature and goal-scoring prowess that has won over the hearts of the Watford faithful.

Nevertheless Manchester United may face stiff competition from some of their Premier League rivals, for the Frenchman’s signature this summer.

After scoring seven times and providing two assists, in 27 Premier League games this season, Doucoure is also thought to have potential suitors in the form of Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

Why does United need midfield reinforcements?

To some readers, it may seem questionable as to why Jose Mourinho feels the need to strengthen in midfield again this summer, with star-names such as Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera, Michael Carrick, Nemanja Matic and Marouane Fellaini, all recognised central midfielders currently on the books at Old Trafford.

Well for starters, Michael Carrick is expected to retire at the end of the season, leaving Mourinho with one less option heading into the new season. Fellaini and Herrera have been on the periphery of the first team this season so may also be offloaded.

Matic, Pogba, and more recently youngster Scott McTominay, have been the favoured central midfield options for Mourinho.

However, recently there have been rumours circulating that Mourinho is unhappy with Pogba’s attitude and performance, such that Doucoure could be brought in to offer his French’s compatriot some healthy competition.

With Doucoure also having shown a greater attacking prowess this season, than currently offered by McTominay or Matic, Mourinho could be looking to strengthen his attacking options from midfield. However, Watford is thought to want at least £45m for the towering central midfielder.
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