Manchester United could be in for a busy January as Ruben Amorim looks to add more quality to the squad. It has been a mixed season for the Red Devils, who have improved since last season but are still far from the Premier League’s top five. Their form has been plagued by inconsistency and they will need to find a solution if they are to qualify for the Champions League.
A productive winter could mean the difference between returning to Europe and missing out on a second consecutive season. Several big names have already been linked with a move to United, who spent around £220m in summer transfer fees. It remains to be seen what the situation will be next month, but Old Trafford could be crowded.
Express Sport looks at United’s dream scenario.
Semenyo refuses City
United are said to be interested in signing Antoine Semenyo, but their chances of signing him appear to be fading. He is said to like the idea of Chelsea joining Manchester City with initial contact with Bournemouth in the race, but ruled out any further approach.
The ideal outcome for United would be for Semenyo to turn down a move from another Premier League club and commit to Old Trafford. However, with the likes of City and Chelsea in a better position, the Red Devils will need to make a convincing case.
The player, who has scored eight Premier League goals so far this season, is reported to have a release clause of around £65 million. It is only valid for the first few weeks of the January period, meaning United will need to act quickly to secure his signature at that price.
Bareba finally joins
Carlos Baleva was a United target during the summer, but the Red Devils ultimately passed on the move. Brighton were reluctant to sell the midfielder for less than nine figures and he ended up staying at the Amex Stadium.
Their stance appears to have remained unchanged since then, meaning they would still need huge amounts of money to nab him.
However, by meeting Brighton’s asking price of around £100m, United will be signing a quality Premier League midfielder with huge potential. Those numbers could pay off over the next few years if he develops into a world-class player.
Wharton also signs
United are also linked with a move for Crystal Palace playmaker Adam Wharton. He has been a duck to water in the Premier League since joining the Eagles from Blackburn Rovers.
He is currently a regular in England and seems destined for a move to a big club in the not too distant future. Whether that will happen in January remains to be seen.
According to the Guardian, Palace were reluctant to sell Wharton midway through the season and have increased his valuation to more than £80m. But it could be worth every penny for United as they aim to return to the top half of the Premier League in the coming months.
