Man Utd scouts monitoring Serbian defensive midfielder

Manchester United could be set to replace midfielder Nemanja Matic with fellow countryman Ivan Ilic. The 21-year-old is very highly rated in his home country, and after a wonderful first full season for Hellas Verona in Italy, United scouts have sent glowing reports back to newly appointed manager Erik Ten Hag.

Ilic, formerly of Man City, had three loan spells during his time at the Etihad, playing for Dutch club NAC Breda, Zemun and Red Star Belgrade; the same time that Ilic emerged from as a youth player.

Since his move to Italy, Ilic has performed very well and caught the eye of numerous top clubs. United are expected to be very busy this summer, and are looking for midfield reinforcements after a disappointing campaign that has seen the club qualify for the European Conference League.

Ilic is left-footed, and United are looking for players comfortable with the ball at their feet who can play on the left side of the pitch. Although Ilic now prefers to play as a defensive midfielder, he is comfortable as a deep-lying playmaker if called upon.