Manchester United “ready to discard with rivals Man City and PSG” for Ismael Bennacer from £ 45 million

Manchester United will face stiff competition in its bid to sign Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer, with rivals Manchester City and PSG poised to pounce, according to reports.

The 22 year old Algerian has impressed for the Italian giants in Serie A this season, making 21 starts in his first year at San Siro. He joined for around £ 14 million at the start of the campaign from Empoli after two extraordinary years, helping them win promotion from Serie B.

Now his performances have started to turn heads, with some of the best European teams interested in making a move. Both United and City are “following the matter”, joining the PSG in pursuit, and are simply waiting for the green light to make their move, according to the Algerian outlet competition, through Sport Witness.

The report says PSG made an initial £ 35m bid for Bennacer, with AC Milan rejecting their attempts, but adds that any club making an offer of around £ 45m would give them “food for thought” .

PSG boss Leonardo is said to have made a “fantastic” contract offer to Bennacer, who informed his club of the approach, but didn’t force himself to leave, he adds.

A source told the outlet that Bennacer “remains calm” despite speculation and would be satisfied if he were still a Milan player next season.

PSG is also passionate about the Algerian national team, who has impressed in Serie A this season

‘He remains calm and focused on his work. Even if AC Milan blocks him tomorrow, he is motivated to have another great season with the Rossoneri. ‘

Manchester United are thought to be considering new additions in midfield to put together an assault on the Premier League title next season, and Bennacer would adapt as an exciting and energetic star in the middle of the park.

Man City, meanwhile, will be eager to make reinforcements after losing the title in Liverpool with the likes of David Silva leaving for a free transfer.

Bennacer once played for Arsenal between 2015 and 2017, but only made an appearance in the League Cup before being loaned to Tours in the French Ligue 2 and later joined Empoli.