Exclusive: Man United’s four-man transfer shortlist revealed
Man United are set to accelerate plans to strengthen their midfield in the summer transfer window with four clear targets on their radar.
Despite putting their transfer plans on ice in January as they await a decision on who will be their next permanent manager, work is ongoing in the background.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Man United are prioritising the addition of at least one new midfielder.
Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba remain the three leading contenders to strengthen in midfield, despite their lofty asking prices.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 20 February that Man United are tracking Aston Villa’s Amadou Onana and could reignite their long-term interest.
Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Amadou Onana targeted
Football Insider revealed on 22 February that Aston Villa are determined to keep Onana and hope to block and advances from United come the summer window.
Man United, meanwhile, are more keen on the likes of Anderson and Wharton, who are more highly-rated by their recruitment team than the Belgium international.
They remain keen on a number of big-name stars, and are keen to land players with Premier League experience after the success of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “We know the central midfield position is going to be a priority for Man United this summer.
“Casemiro is leaving at the end of season. There’s doubts over Ugarte’s future as well.
“So look, they’re going to need strengthening in that midfield position.
“Onana is a player that they’ve had previous interest in. So I think it’s one of those where he probably still remains on the list, but he’s probably not at the top of it.
“We know all the other names that they’ve been linked with, the likes of Carlos Baleaba, Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson. I think they would all figure above Onana as well.
“And as I said, I don’t think Villa would be very keen on losing or not as well.”
Who is Man United’s top midfield target this summer?
Man United still have a number of names in mind ahead of their plans to sign a midfielder in the summer, in preparation for Casemiro’s imminent departure.
The Brazilian is set to walk away at the end of his contract, leaving the Red Devils with even fewer options behind their first-choice starters including Kobbie Mainoo.
This comes after Football Insider revealed in September that Man United are desperate to sign a new midfielder when the window opens, with a number of options on their radar.
Football Insider revealed in January that Man United scouts are watching Anderson and Wharton, who are at the top of their list of targets.
Baleba is also believed to be on their list after they missed out on signing him last summer due to his lofty asking price, but there are doubts about his recent form.
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