Time for audition: Two Everton superstars could be perfect Man United summer signings
Manchester United return to action against Everton on Monday, refreshed after the rare luxury of a free weekend.
With only a few games remaining in the Premier League season, the aim is clear for the Red Devils to secure Champions League qualification.
INEOS will also have one eye on their recruitment planning ahead of this summer.
Two Everton standouts have quietly put together impressive campaigns and now appear ready to take the next leap in their careers.
The Man United hierarchy will watch the upcoming contest closely, paying particular attention to James Garner and Iliman Ndiaye.
James Garner
Garner has become virtually undroppable for Everton, starting all 26 of their Premier League matches this season.
While there is still scope to refine his positional awareness, his defensive output has surged to new heights this term.
He ranks second in tackles and third in interceptions across the division.
With Casemiro expected to depart Old Trafford and Manuel Ugarte also unlikely to remain, United are staring at a major midfield reshuffle.
At least two reinforcements will be required to restore balance and bite in the centre of the pitch.
The Red Devils could go all-in for one of Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba or Adam Wharton.
Garner could be a decent second (and budget) option to bolster their midfield.
It will also be a homecoming for the England youth international, who rose through the ranks at United and made his first-team debut at the age of 17.
Iliman Ndiaye
While strengthening midfield is a priority for the Red Devils, recruiting a quality winger is also essential.
Alejandro Garnacho and Antony were moved on last summer, and both Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho are widely expected to seal permanent exits in the coming months.
The squad currently lacks natural wide players suited to a 4-2-3-1 system.
Ndiaye has five goals and two assists to his name in 20 league games this campaign.
At 25, he may not yet be considered elite, but two solid Premier League campaigns suggest he is primed for a bigger stage.
The Senegal international recently revealed that Old Trafford is his favourite stadium.
This telling admission hints at a potential dream move.
Should United agree on a fee with Everton, it would likely take something extraordinary for Ndiaye to turn the opportunity down.
Stats from Fotmob.com
(Also read: From title heartbreak to De Gea heroics: The four wildest Man United vs Everton battles)
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .