Manchester United are set to step up efforts to sign a new midfielder, with a number of targets from the summer highly eyed, including Carlos Baleva.
With Carlos Baleva and Conor Gallagher among the six players Manchester United are considering for a move, signing a midfielder will be a priority when they next go on the market.
Ruben Amorim spent much of his summer budget up front, but lacked the funds to land someone in the middle of the park. There are question marks over United’s options, with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes being the two priority players so far this term.
However, Casemiro’s contract is coming to an end, Fernandes continues to be linked with a big-money departure, and youngster Koby Mainu is yet to prove himself under Amorim, with a potential move being linked.
Brighton’s Baleva was linked with a £100m move to Old Trafford in the summer, but the move failed to take off. Although his form has declined at the Amex this season, he is still on United’s shortlist after an excellent debut campaign.
Former Chelsea captain Gallagher has been linked with a loan move to Manchester, but Atletico Madrid are only interested in a permanent move. He has played less minutes this season and is open to a return to England, but the type of contract could be a major hurdle.
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Two players who represent England’s next generation are also attracting United’s attention. Adam Wharton and Elliott Anderson have both had impressive rises and will be part of the Three Lions’ World Cup activities, meaning their stocks will rise even further.
Wharton is under contract with Crystal Palace until 2029, but has shown no desire to leave the Eagles as he is likely to command a huge fee if he is sold. Despite their struggles, Anderson and Nottingham Forest are in a similar situation. Newcastle have been linked with a return for Anderson, who also appears to be concentrating on his own football despite being linked with a move to bigger targets.
Chelsea’s Andrej Santos is an ambitious target for United. As reported by talkSPORT, the Brazilian was the subject of early talks that ultimately led to Alejandro Garnacho leaving for Stamford Bridge, but he remains active with the Blues.
He was at Strasbourg last season and was considering summer options, but his playing time has definitely increased and he always wanted to give Chelsea the chance to prove he has a role.
A lesser-known name being tracked is Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller. United are monitoring the 24-year-old German international, who is open to a move to the Premier League. Stiller has a release clause of around £35m, but Stuttgart could potentially pay around £1.5m to break free.
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