Overview
- United have made a top-level defensive midfielder a priority, with Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and João Gomes on the shortlist, and a January move remains under consideration.
- Wharton dismissed talk of a switch to Old Trafford as “nothing special,” and Crystal Palace have discussed a new contract with his camp and are expected to resist January approaches.
- Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is still of interest, but reports suggest a valuation in the £100m–£120m range as Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City also plan midfield buys.
- United are tracking Wolves’ João Gomes as a potentially cheaper solution, while reports also point to an option being explored to loan Atletico’s Conor Gallagher in January with a £45m summer option.
- Casemiro’s strong form has prompted openness to keeping him on reduced wages, leaving the timing and profile of any midfield addition more fluid.