Manchester United's hunt for a new midfield is beginning to heat up, and the targets are beginning to be narrowed down by the decision-markers.
Two new central midfielders are understood to be at the top of the agenda for the upcoming summer transfer window, with a replacement for Casemiro viewed as a priority, while the club are also keen to add more quality and depth, with Manuel Ugarte's future also unclear.
But while a number of names are being banded about as potentials, there is one profile in particular that stands out above the rest that should be brought in as a matter of urgency, or the board risk making the same mistake as the previous regime when it comes to building the Man Utd squad.
Man Utd Need a Tempo-Setter
Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson applauds fans
The man who many have tipped to be the top target of the window is Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson. The England international has had a breakthrough campaign despite his team's battles against relegation, and looks set to be at the centre of a mega-money saga in the summer.
Man Utd are known admirers, but so are Man City, and there have been reports that the player prefers a move to the Etihad, making any deal to take him to Old Trafford difficult. In an ideal world, Anderson could be the answer, but whether he has the legs required is a question mark against his name.
That doesn't exist for Sandro Tonali, who Man Utd will make a formal move for once the season ends, as they look to bring the Italian in from Newcastle. Any deal will be expensive, but it's still likely to be cheaper than Anderson, with Forest reportedly demanding upwards of £80m.
But while Tonali would be a great fit to replace Casemiro with his excellent engine, tenacity, experience, and top-level quality, his passing game isn't the strongest, and a pairing of him and Kobbie Mainoo would lack someone who can dominate games from a deeper position.
That profile is something that has been missing at Man Utd for years, while the clubs around them have excelled with the likes of Rodri, Ryan Gravenberch, and Martin Zubimendi. A tempo-setting passer, who is comfortable in tight spaces is a necessity, and there's an obvious candidate for the role.
Man Utd Must Sign Adam Wharton
Adam Wharton playing for England vs Albania
Adam Wharton, dubbed a 'superstar', has been heavily linked with a move away from Crystal Palace this summer, and Man Utd should be right at the front of the queue for his signature.
His ability to dictate play from a deeper position is something that would fit in perfectly, and alongside the likes of Mainoo, Tonali, and Bruno Fernandes, it would mean Man Utd have got their strongest midfield for decades.
A deal for Wharton is expected to cost around £60m, and he's ready to join a club with Champions League football. That fee could prove to be a bargain in today's market, and it would also mean that there are still funds leftover to bring in an engine like Tonali too. It's the perfect deal and should be a no-brainer for Man Utd this summer.
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