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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

According to French publication L’Equipe, Manchester United failed in a late swoop for Everton star Idrissa Gueye, with the midfielder turning the Red Devils down in favour of sticking with his decision to join PSG.

What’s the word?

Reports have claimed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were intent on signing Newcastle ace Sean Longstaff, but differences in valuation of the 21-year-old may have scuppered that swoop.

Now, L’Equipe have suggested that the reason behind the delay of Gueye’s proposed move to PSG was late interest from United. It adds that the Red Devils had considered a number of alternative targets to Longstaff and Gueye’s name was amongst those being discussed.

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However, whilst L’Equipe claim that the 29-year-old gave the move some thought, he has opted to complete his switch to Paris.

Proven Premier League quality

As United seem to obsess themselves over trying to sign a 21-year-old with just nine games in the Premier League to his name, the chance to sign a proven holding midfielder has seemingly slipped away.

In his time with Aston Villa and Everton, Gueye has been one of the better anchormen the top-flight has to offer. The 29-year-old covers the ground well and reads the game superbly, and has been a largely under-rated performer. Indeed, last season in the Premier League, the Senegal international averaged 4.3 tackles and 2.2 interceptions per game; significantly more than what United’s two defensive-minded midfielders Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera managed.

At the reported £28m PSG are thought to be paying, United could quite easily have matched that and gotten themselves someone to come straight into their starting line-up. A move for Longstaff on the other hand would come with huge risk and requires patience, whereas Gueye’s numerous years in the Premier League would set up him up for instant success.

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