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Manchester United were defeated by Man City on Sunday afternoon | AFP via Getty Images
Man United are reportedly keen to sign a midfielder to play in the holding role alongside Bruno Fernandes.
One of the biggest issues so far this season has been in midfield, as United are clearly lacking a holding midfielder who can allow Bruno Fernandes to play a higher role alongside. During the transfer window, the Red Devils targeted Carlos Baleba, but were priced out of a deal for him.
Reports have linked United to several midfielders in recent months as alternatives to Baleba, with one being a Premier League and England star whose value is growing and growing based on his recent form.
Elliot Anderson transfer stance revealed
One Baleba alternative that United have been linked to in recent weeks is Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson, who recently made his first appearance for England under manager Thomas Tuchel.
However, according to Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke, Anderson isn’t planning to move any time soon, and it could be a tough deal for Manchester United to complete. He said: “It’s another difficult deal, but I’m not surprised Man United have been looking at Anderson.
“He was sold for £35 million, and the way he’s going right now, if he continues to impress for club and country in the next 12 months, you’ll see his price double at least.
“He’s on a long-term contract at the City Ground until 2029, so Forest are under no pressure to sell. He’s on the radar of a lot of clubs, but I don’t think there’s anything imminent on his future.
“Forest will be more than content to keep him, and the player is happy there and happy to stay with the way things are working out for him at Forest. I don’t expect he’ll be planning to move on any time soon as things stand.”
It looks as though Man United will have to consider other targets, especially if Anderson’s value does skyrocket up to £70m or more.
Who else could Man United target?
A slightly more affordable deal would be for the Red Devils to sign Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand; however, there is obviously more of a risk as he doesn’t have proven Premier League experience like the other two.
Hjulmand does have experience playing for Amorim, though, and also suits his 3-4-3 formation, something that United are crying out for with their current lack of ‘suiting’ players in Amorim’s system.
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