Manchester United have been linked with a move for Real Madrid gem Federico Valverdeplaceholder image
Manchester United have been linked with a move for Real Madrid gem Federico Valverde | Getty Images
Man United are focusing on signing a top quality new midfielder in the January transfer window
Man United are very keen on an upgrade in midfield in January, as it has become clear they require a more controlling player in the middle of the park. In their last game, a 3-1 loss to Brentford, United were badly overrun in midfield, sparking calls for improvements in January.
It is understood that Man United are still keen to sign the Cameroon international, but they are also looking at other targets too. One of their alternatives is a Real Madrid star, and recent reports have suggested that he’s unhappy in his current role at the club.
Man Utd preparing £70m bid for Valverde after statement
Spanish outlet Fichajes has been reporting on the midfielder, who is unhappy with his current role under Xabi Alonso. He’s been playing as a full-back rather than a midfielder, and said in an interview: “I wasn’t born to play full-back, I didn’t grow up learning to play full-back, and when I played there, I felt proud of having done well.”
He released a statement suggesting that his relationship with Alonso remains strong, but the Real Madrid manager left him out of the starting XI in their most recent Champions League match against FC Kairat.
Amid the uncertainty, the reports continue to suggest that Man United are planning on a £70m bid in the January transfer window to bring Valverde to Old Trafford, and it claims that United see the 27-year-old as someone who can bring ‘leadership, experience and physical ability’ to Ruben Amorim’s squad.
Which other midfielders are Man United considering?
Other than Valverde and Baleba, there are other names that United could decide to go after in the January transfer window. The first one is Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, who is likely to cost between £60m and £70m, depending on how willing the Eagles are to sell the 22-year-old.
The only issue is that Oliver Glasner lost Eberechi Eze in the summer transfer window, and they could lose Marc Guehi in January, meaning that they may be reluctant to sell Wharton too, as that would be a huge loss for the Palace manager, especially as they are in the Europa Conference League this year.
Furthermore, Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson has also been touted as a potential January signing for the Red Devils. However, he is expected to cost at least £70m, and again, Forest could be against signing him as they are in the Europa League this year.
Continue Reading