Manchester United are going to need at least two new first-team midfield signings this summer, with the price tag for the top options becoming clear.
With Casemiro’s departure from Manchester United drawing ever closer ahead of the summer when the Brazilian’s contract expires, Ineos are searching for a replacement.
Ineos think recruitment is so important this summer, and the shortlist of midfield targets includes some very exciting names who would be upgrades on Casemiro.
Elliot Anderson is still considered United’s top option, although a deal looks increasingly unrealistic with his outrageous £125m valuation that Nottingham Forest have set.
For close to that fee, United can sign multiple targets.
Should Manchester United pay £125m for Elliot Anderson?
Reports suggest Nottingham Forest have set a £125m valuation on Elliot Anderson. 💰
Aurelien Tchouameni and Carlos Baleba would cost £140m combined
Gary Neville might have said Anderson is realistic for United this summer, but at £125m, Ineos should steer well clear.
Interestingly, United reportedly won’t target Anderson if that is the fee needed.
It’s just right, because for that sort of fee, United can sign multiple midfielders.
According to Ben Jacobs on The United Stand YouTube, this could even be Aurelien Tchouameni and Carlos Baleba.
The journalist says that, “A bid of around £50m-£60m would not be enough to get Baleba”, before stating £70m would potentially be considered a good deal.
While Tchouameni would also be around £70m.
£140m for two first-choice midfielders is a much better decision for United than £120m on a player who probably doesn’t fit as a number six, given his excellent ability going forward.
Given that United need two or three, Anderson should probably now be scrubbed off the shortlist.
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The difference in squad building quality between signing Anderson and the combination of Baleba and Tchouameni is startling.
Baleba and Tchouameni signed effectively replaces Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte in the more defensively minded half of the midfield pairing.
But it could also leave United with the funds to go and sign someone like Alex Scott as reinforcements behind Kobbie Mainoo in the starting right position.
This quartet is good enough to challenge on all fronts for United, with the academy then able to provide the depth with Jim Thwaites and Jacob Devaney.
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