Manchester United will prioritize signing a midfielder in the next transfer window, with Carlos Baleva and Conor Gallagher among the six potential targets. The club’s manager, Ruben Amorim, spent a large part of the summer budget on strengthening the attack, leaving insufficient funds to strengthen the midfield. There are some doubts surrounding the current options, including Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.
Casemiro’s contract is nearing expiry, but Fernandes’ departure remains a hot topic. Young talent Koby Mainu has yet to establish himself under Amorim, and rumors have surfaced that he could also be on the move. Baleva was previously linked with a £100m move to Old Trafford and was thought to be keen on a summer move, but no deal materialised.
Despite underperforming at the Amex this season, he remains on United’s shortlist after an impressive debut campaign.
Meanwhile, former Chelsea captain Gallagher was rumored to be considering a loan move to Manchester, but Atletico Madrid are only interested in a permanent move.
He has played less time this season and is open to a return to England, but the nature of his contract could pose a major hurdle.
Two rising stars in English football, Adam Wharton and Elliott Anderson, are also on United’s radar. Both players have experienced rapid career progression and are expected to feature in next summer’s World Cup, which will undoubtedly increase their market value.
Wharton, who is currently under contract with Crystal Palace until 2029, has shown no intention of leaving, and the Eagles are expected to demand a hefty transfer fee if they decide to sell him.
Despite the club’s struggles, Anderson has found himself in a similar situation at Nottingham Forest, with Newcastle rumored to be interested in his return.
Chelsea playmaker Andrei Santos is also on United’s radar as an ambitious target. According to talkSPORT, the Brazilian’s name was mentioned in preliminary discussions that ultimately led to Alejandro Garnacho’s move to Stamford Bridge.
He spent last season at Strasbourg, considering his options over the summer, but steadily increased his playing time, always wanting to give Chelsea the chance to prove he had a role.
A less familiar name being watched is Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller. The Germany international, who is open to a move to the Premier League, is thought to be under United’s radar.
Stiller has a release clause of around £35m, but Stuttgart can release him from his contract by paying around £1.5m.
