Manchester United have made an offer for star Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria, who is out of contract this summer and available at a cut-price deal.

That is according to the Express, who claims United have already been in touch with the Swiss international’s agents in an attempt to sign him this month. Ralf Rangnick is believed to be behind the move, with the German keen to bolster his midfield options before the January transfer window closes.

Zakaria has been a linchpin in Gladbach’s midfield since signing for the Foals from Swiss club Young Boys in 2017. The tough-tackling midfielder has made 144 appearances for the Bundesliga stalwarts, scoring 11 goals and teeing up eight for his teammates.

The 25-year-old is also a regular for his nation, and played a key role in Switzerland’s run to the quarter-finals of Euro 2020, where they were eventually eliminated by Spain. It is felt Zakaria could be purchased this month for a fee in the region of €7 million, with his club keen to cash in on a player who has made it clear he will not sign a new contract.

Zakaria would provide competition for the likes of Fred, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic at the base of Rangnick’s 4-2-2-2 formation, and would bring much-needed tactical intelligence and physicality to a midfield often criticised for lacking steel in recent seasons.