Manchester United have reportedly identified Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as their top choice to replace Paul Pogba.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to add at least one central midfielder this summer following the departure of Ander Herrera.
Bruno Fernandes and Sean Longstaff have both been linked with United but so far a deal has failed to materialise.
United are yet to make a formal offer for Fernandes while Newcastle are wanting around £50m for young midfielder Longstaff.
But the search for another central midfielder could intensify if Pogba gets his wish to leave the club.
The Frenchman wants to quit Old Trafford this summer with Real Madrid and Juventus both interested.
United are looking for around £180m for Pogba, with neither club having yet met their valuation.
But AS reports United have already earmarked Milinkovic-Savic if Pogba does leave the club.
United were linked with the Lazio midfielder, 24, last summer but were priced out by the Serie A club's £100m valuation.
The Serbian is likely to be available for closer to £65m plus add-ons with United hopeful of reaching an agreement.
It is claimed the deal will be struck with Lazio as soon as Pogba moves on, although United are not ruling out keeping the Frenchman.
Real Madrid remain in pole position and are willing to wait until the end of the transfer window to bring Pogba in.
But United won't do any business after the English window ends on August 8, with Zinedine Zidane's men having just over two weeks to complete the swoop.
