Man Utd ‘positioned’ to sign Croatian assist machine as journalist claims ‘jewel’ is ready for ‘next step’

Manchester United are reportedly ahead of Real Madrid in the pursuit of Dinamo Zagreb sensation Martin Baturina, with growing confidence that Dan Ashworth can finalize a deal, potentially signaling the end for an experienced Red Devils player.

It’s been a mixed season for Erik ten Hag’s side, with two defeats in their first three games, though the Dutchman hopes Manchester United’s recent form—10 unanswered goals in their last two games, including a 7-0 thrashing of League One Barnsley in the Carabao Cup—has restored confidence.

It is hoped that this marks the beginning of better results, as Ten Hag’s five summer signings continue to settle at Old Trafford.

However, the Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Dan Ashworth-led overhaul at United is still in its early stages, with plans for a major revamp of the squad already being prepared for the 2025 transfer windows.

One name heavily linked in recent days is Croatian star Baturina, who has been receiving high praise for his performances at Dinamo Zagreb. Mentioned as a potential target for Real Madrid, the midfielder has impressed with five assists in just eight appearances this season.

According to Sky Deutschland journalist Patrick Berger, United have ‘positioned themselves’ at the front of the race to sign the 21-year-old.

Writing on X, Berger states that United are keen admirers of the player, who was monitored by Atletico Madrid, Fiorentina, and AS Roma over the summer. The Red Devils are optimistic about a deal, with the “strong No 10” ready to “take the next step” in the summer of 2025.

Securing the Croatian ‘jewel’ could mean the departure of an experienced Manchester United star.

Described as a “Croatian jewel” by Berger, Ashworth and the club are keeping a close eye on the player, who was in action during Dinamo Zagreb’s 9-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, as they look to advance their interest in his signature.

Despite bringing in Manuel Ugarte this summer for a fee of £50.5m (€60m, $66.7m), United’s midfield rebuild is far from complete.

Ratcliffe and Ashworth are on a mission to reduce United’s wage bill, targeting high-earning players who are no longer justifying their salaries.

This strategy saw Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial—who were earning a combined £590,000 a week—move on at the end of their contracts.

United’s hierarchy isn’t finished reshaping the squad, with Casemiro—whom Ugarte is expected to eventually replace—and Christian Eriksen next on the list.

Eriksen’s departure now seems inevitable. Although the experienced Dane remains a popular figure at the club and scored twice in the 7-0 win over Barnsley, his £150,000-a-week contract expires next summer. Having fallen down the pecking order under Ten Hag, his time at Old Trafford appears to be nearing its end.

Sources have informed TEAMtalk that the 136-cap Denmark international is ready to leave next summer unless his situation dramatically improves, with a cut-price move in the January window also a possibility.