Manchester United are reportedly set to spend £150m to sign three central midfielders and have narrowed their list to nine potential targets.
According to the Daily Mail, United are considering signing three central midfielders for a total of £150m. Players being considered include Nottingham Forest dynamo Elliott Anderson, who was previously valued at more than £100m.
The Red Devils are also linked with signings Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Bareva, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães. It is also thought that Aurelien Choameny, who was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford before opting for Real Madrid, will also feature on United’s wishlist.
Further options are reported to include Bournemouth duo Alex Scott and Tyler Adams, as well as box-to-box West Ham midfielder Matheus Fernandes. Southampton prospect Shay Charles is also believed to be on United’s shortlist, and although Saints have secured a play-off spot this season, he is likely to be seen as a player of the future rather than an immediate promotion to the first team.
While midfield remains a key area of concern, United are equally keen to strengthen several other positions across the squad. The club are thought to be looking for additional reinforcements at left-back and central defence, with another left-winger also firmly on the table.
Altai Bajndir and Andre Onana are set to leave Old Trafford in the summer, with a new goalkeeper to support Senne Ramens also high on the wishlist. United’s qualification for next season’s Champions League will help the club realize these ambitions for a number of reasons.
Taking into account prize money and commercial considerations, United are expected to generate an additional £200m to secure their place in the competition.
This could give United’s next manager a significant transfer fee, particularly in midfield. Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim and performed admirably, winning 10 of his 14 Premier League games.
Despite this, no official decision has yet been made as to whether Carrick will remain United’s manager when next season begins. He has made an outstanding impression at Old Trafford, but Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and a number of other players remain involved in the position.
