Manchester United missed out on Matheus Fernandes and Elliott Anderson this summer and are being forced to reconsider their midfield transfer search after Tottenham refused to match the £85m they spent on Fernandes.
Manchester United have set prices on several transfers this summer, including the move for Elliott Anderson (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United have had to look elsewhere to strengthen their midfield after Tottenham rejected their £85m bid for West Ham midfielder Matheus Fernandes, who has now moved to north London.
Spurs agreed to meet the Hammers’ assessment and signed the 21-year-old, but United were not ready to do so. It follows Manchester City’s £116m deal for Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest, meaning the Old Trafford club miss out on their top two targets this summer.
United have already secured a £35m deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta, but they still need an elite midfielder to strengthen their squad following Casemiro’s departure at the end of last season.
Here’s where they could look next, and who could make the shortlist after missing out on both Anderson and Fernandes.
alex scott
United have had their eye on the Bournemouth midfielder for much of this season, but his stock has risen significantly as other targets have slipped through their fingers.
Scott boasts Premier League pedigree and has enjoyed an exceptional form with the Cherries, earning him a place in England’s pre-World Cup training camp. His impressive performances have reportedly caught the attention of Arsenal.
Bournemouth are keen to sign the former Bristol City man on new terms this summer and could insert a release clause into his contract, mirroring the approach they took with Antoine Semenyo a year ago. Semenyo then moved to Manchester City midway through the season, but United may not be able to delay as they are in dire need of midfield cover.
Alex Scott continues to develop at Bournemouth (Image: Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Aurelien Choameni
The France international is the highest profile player on the list and is someone United have been monitoring for several months, knowing he is unlikely to leave Real Madrid this summer.
Despite an altercation with captain Federico Valverde towards the end of last season, Real officials remain insistent that the player will remain. Manager Jose Mourinho also wants the Frenchman to stay.
United would be in the race to sign Choameni if he becomes available, but that seems unlikely at the moment. However, that could change if Real sign a big-money midfielder this summer.
carlos barreba
Baleva will likely become the third midfielder United have parted with in the past year due to a high asking price. They were interested in signing him 12 months ago but were deterred by Brighton’s £100m valuation.
Manchester United could reignite their interest in Carlos Baleva (Image: Ryan Pierse, Getty Images)
They maintain an interest in Baleva, but there has been little sign of progress so far this summer. Despite the 22-year-old having had a difficult season at Sussex, Brighton have not significantly reduced their asking price.
Adam Wharton
Interest in Wharton has cooled considerably. The England international has attracted a number of suitors, but at Old Trafford it is believed he is too similar to Coby Mainu to be able to play alongside them in midfield.
United, and other clubs, would also be reluctant to charge such a high price for such a player. City’s £116m deal for Anderson has certainly boosted the market, which is reflected in the Hammers wanting £85m for Fernandes. Crystal Palace will have Wharton in their slot and will no doubt want a similar fee.
Felix Nmeka
Numeka has a fan in Carrington in director of football Jason Wilcox. He played a key role in City’s academy during Nmeka’s 14 years at the club as a youngster.
Felix Nmeka spent years on Man City’s books (Image: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
The Borussia Dortmund player was being monitored by several Premier League teams, with United said to be among them, but his World Cup campaign ended with a half-time substitution as Germany lost to Paraguay on penalties, and his influence waned throughout the tournament.
others
United were interested in Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali earlier this summer, but so far they have not shown any desire to match Tottenham for his achievements. The Italian player’s prize money is expected to reach £100m. On the more affordable market, he is also valuing Fulham’s Sander Berge and American midfielder Tyler Adams, who plays alongside Scott at Bournemouth.
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