Man United and Man City are in a transfer battle for this popular Premier League star
Manchester United have been on the market for new midfielders for some time now and this year looks likely to be the time they throw all their efforts at a significant engine room overhaul.
The club has confirmed that Casemiro will leave Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of the season. This has opened the floor for the Red Devils to pursue the ‘marquee transfer targets’ they have been linked with for some time now.
The players in question are Carlos Baleba of Brighton, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, and Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
Man United ‘most likely’ to sign Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton
According to The i Paper, United are ‘most likely’ to sign Baleba and Wharton out of the midfield trio of targets.
The club have reportedly sounded out potential January deals but none of their Premier League rivals are willing to see a key player leave halfway through the season. As a number of clubs are said to be interested in all three targets, it’s going to be a busy summer window for all involved.
United’s midfield mission is further amplified due to the doubt hanging over Bruno Fernandes’ future. talkSPORT has reported that the captain is being heavily monitored by clubs in Saudi Arabia as rumours surrounding his potential exit swirl. He is among the likes of Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah who are linked with a potential summer move away from the Premier League.
Elliot Anderson could snub Man United for Man City
While Baleba and Wharton seem to be the most achievable targets out of the three United are interested in, there is ‘a growing belief’ that Nottingham Forest star Anderson will ‘snub them’ for rivals Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s side are keen on bringing the midfielder to the Etihad but they are willing to wait until the summer, having already spent money on Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo this window.
Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke reported: “I think he is going to be one of the most talked about players in the transfer window because of the growing interest in his services. Manchester City are very much interested.
“City obviously have been busy in January with Semenyo and Guehi, so I don’t think there’ll be any room for any further big signings.
“We know Forest are going to demand top dollar for Anderson if they do let him go, so a summer move is more likely.”
For any club hoping to sign Anderson this summer, they will need to fork out a significant amount of cash. Quotes of £100 million have been doing the rounds since last year.
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