With Casemiro injured, Christian Eriksen ageing and Sofyan Amrabat yet to convince, Manchester United are likely to be in the market for a midfielder or two in January.
But who are the targets? And who can United fans expect, if anyone, through the door at Old Trafford?
Joao Neves – Benfica
The Benfica wonderkid has been labelled the second coming of Bruno Fernandes but Christian Eriksen is perhaps a more fitting comparison. Joao Neves loves to pull the strings from the centre of the park, and plays with a maturity not often expected from a teenager.
But with Benfica planning to raise his release clause from £104 million to a staggering £130 million, the message could hardly be clearer. United, stay away (O Jogo).
The Portuguese powerhouses forced Chelsea to pay a nine-figure sum for Enzo Fernandez last summer and are likely to issue similar demands if FFP-restricted United come calling.
Chances of him signing: 2/10
Arthur Vermeeren – Royal Antwerp
Likened to Andres Iniesta, Kevin de Bruyne and now Jude Bellingham, compliments certainly havent been in short supply for Arthur Vermeeren. An 18-year-old midfielder who took on a senior role as Royal Antwerp ended their near-60-year wait for a league title last season. Unfortunately for Man United, interest is not in short supply either.
But, valued at an affordable £20 million and with Antwerp’s CEO admitting that a January departure may be on the cards, there appears to be relatively few obstacles standing in United’s way, at least in comparison to many of their other midfield targets (HLN).
This is one to watch.
Chances of him signing: 7/10
Andre Trindade – Fluminense
According to The Standard, Man United ‘enquired’ about Andre Trindade recently. But that is as far as they went. And with Fulham on the verge of sealing a deal in the region of £20 million for Fluminense’s tough-tackling Brazil international, Andre is far more likely to be playing against Ten Hag than for him in 2024.
According to talkSPORT, the Copa Libertadores winner has agreed a move to Craven Cottage ‘in principle’ despite interest from the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal too.
Chances of him signing: 1/10
Andre Onana – Everton
Man United enquired about Andre Onana late last summer, Everton’s reluctance to accept bids of less than £50 million strengthening the Red Devils resolve in prioritising Sofyan Amrabat instead. Now, with Barcelona sticking their oar in – Blaugrana president Joan Laporta has confirmed that a midfielder is a priority after Gavi’s season-ending injury – the towering Belgian feels like a deal too complex for January.
Expect United to put this one on the backburner until the summer.
Chances of him signing: 4/10
Kalvin Phillips – Manchester City
Pep Guardiola all-but confirmed recently that Kalvin Phillips’ Man City career is over. And while The Sun go as far as to suggest that Phillips is right at the top of Ten Hag’s midfield wishlist, the potential furore surrounding of a born-and-bred Leeds fanatic swapping City for United would perhaps make even Alan Smith wince, even if more regular minutes are required for a player desperate to secure a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad.
Chances of him signing: 3/10
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