Transfer Talk: Battle for Alvarez is hotting up

Manchester United have joined the race to sign Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez, with Chelsea and Barcelona also keen on the Mexican.

The 25-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer but the Amsterdam club were reluctant to part with the player.

Alvarez has impressed in the current campaign and has been a key figure in helping Ajax climb to the top of the Eredivisie.

And according to Calciomercato, the West London club are set to face significantly more competition for the 58-cap international next year.

Clubs could move as early as January should Alvarez impress during the World Cup but a successful tournament may inflate the player's price tag.

Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag has already poached Antony and Lisandro Martinez from his former club and that could prove to be an advantage in any potential negotiations for the Ajax star.

The report suggests that Barcelona see the midfield anchor as a replacement for Sergio Busquets, whereas Chelsea would sign Alvarez as a successor to N'Golo Kante.

Alvarez has made 118 appearances for the Dutch champions, scoring 10 times and registering five assists in his three-year spell at the club.

In other news

Calciomercato report that Arsenal are in pole position to sign Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, with Juventus also keen on the player.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has said that Chelsea are still chasing RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol after seeing an approach turned down in the summer.

Reports from Marca suggest that Real Madrid are closing in on the signature of 16-year-old Palmeiras striker Endrick.