Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba: Man United’s top target revealed
Man United are already making plans for the January transfer window as they aim to back Ruben Amorim by further strengthening his squad.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe dismissed claims Amorim could be sacked despite recent pressure, insisting he could be given as long as three years to implement his ideas.
As a result, the United hierarchy are now putting plans in place to support him in the transfer market with a number of key additions on their radar.
Football Insider revealed last month that Man United are desperate to sign a new midfielder after missing out on a number of key targets in the summer.
Among the leading contenders for the role are Brighton star Carlos Baleba and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, although the would be unlikely in January given the money involved.
Elliot Anderson emerges as Man United’s top midfield target
Football Insider revealed on 12 September that Nottingham Forest do not want to lose Anderson and will make efforts to keep him at the City Ground.
However, that has done little to deter the interest from Amorim’s side, who have now set their sights on the England international as their top midfield target.
That is according to former Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who worked at Old Trafford for over a decade during their most successful period, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Elliot would be the “perfect” fit for what Amorim needs.
“Baleba’s drop in form is going to be a concern for Man United,” he told Football Insider.
“Obviously, his head has been turned by the interest which could be seen as a positive, but ideally you want him to keep showing you what he’s got.
“There’s no doubt he’s a very talented player who has a lot of quality, but there are a few concerns.
“The other thing is they’re also looking at Elliot Anderson, he’s the perfect type of player United want.
“They can’t afford to have another player who one day will give you an excellent performance and the next will go missing because his head isn’t right.
“So Man United have to make a decision about players like Baleba or Anderson, which type of player is it they want and where does he fit in the team?
“Anderson, if he plays like he does for Forest and England, he can get all over the pitch, make tackles, raise the tempo of the game and keep the ball moving.
“As far as I’m concerned, Anderson is going to be their top target in that midfield position.”
Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand has backed Man United to sell Bruno Fernandes and reinvest the money in either Baleba or Adam Wharton as the race for his signature hots up.
Man United concerned about Carlos Baleba displays
After missing out on the midfielder during the summer, Man United have been keeping a close eye on Baleba’s performances for Brighton this season.
Football Insider revealed on 23 September that Baleba has had his head turned by Man United after they attempted to sign him in the summer.
However, his recent dip in performances as a result of the distraction has been a concern for the Red Devils who are looking for a consistent performer in midfield.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 16 August that Baleba’s price tag could exceed £100million next summer with Brighton reluctant to let him leave.
The price tag proved too high for United during the summer, and alongside their new concerns, there are doubts about whether they could pursue a new deal.
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