Manchester United are said to be looking at Getafe midfielder Mauro Arambarri ahead of a possible bid this summer.
The Uruguay international still has two years to run on his contract at the La Liga side.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is believed to want a partner for Scott McTominay in the central defensive midfield position, and had previously looked at Declan Rice.
But the West Ham midfielder will likely cost a fee in the region of £80million, leading to the club looking elsewhere.
Reports suggest they've identified Arambarri as an alternative, and could end up signing him for significantly less than Rice.
Arambarri, 25, plays as a central midfielder and can play in a variety of positions through the middle of the field.
The Uruguayan can play in a number six role, but can also be deployed further up the pitch in either an attacking midfield role or a central midfield slot.
The midfielder is said to have a release clause of just £21.5million in his current contract.
For that reason, he's considered to be a more affordable option than any other target for the midfield position.
He's got the second-most bookings of any player in La Liga, having received 11 yellow cards this season.
Despite usually playing fairly deep, he's managed to score three goals in the league.
He's also a strong tackler, and has won 57 tackles in the league this season, the third-highest of any player in the division.
Arambarri has also won 74 free-kicks this season, and has made 52 interceptions.
The 25-year-old is reportedly earning just £14,000 per-week at Getafe, and could therefore be fairly affordable if United triggered his release clause.
