The electric £70m winger Man Utd may sign this January - and whether it would be a good dealplaceholder image
The electric £70m winger Man Utd may sign this January - and whether it would be a good deal | AFP via Getty Images
Manchester United’s main midfield target could now be very difficult to sign in January, as the selling club plan to reject any bid.
Man United are heading into their next game against Crystal Palace in need of a return to winning ways after they lost 1-0 to Everton last weekend. Ruben Amorim will want to see a more dominant performance from his United side, with improvements in possession and in transition, something they couldn’t capitalise on against Everton.
If they do win this weekend, United could climb into the top four of the Premier League table, and potentially above the likes of Tottenham, Sunderland and Palace. However, they do have a big weakness in midfield, and are going into January desperate to sign a holding midfielder.
They have been linked to several top midfielders, including Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Wolves’ Joao Gomes. However, they have suffered a blow, as their first choice won’t be available in January.
Forest will reject bids for Anderson in January
Anderson seems to be the first choice target for Man United heading into the transfer window, as the Forest star has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League this season. He’s also become a big part of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
However, according to the Daily Mail, Forest will reject any approaches for Anderson in January, even if the approach matches their £100m plus asking price. So, as far as United are concerned, their hope of landing Anderson in January has all but been dashed, unless the player forces a move. Anderson has also been linked with a return to Newcastle United.
He’s made 12 Premier League appearances this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist. The Red Devils will now need to consider other potential targets for January instead, and one seems the most likely.
Joao Gomes is Man United’s most likely January signing
Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes has reportedly had his head turned by the reported interest from Man United. The 24-year-old has been a bright spark in a poor Wolves side this season, and will be desperate to get away from the relegation zone by moving to a different club in January.
It is understood that he’s expected to cost around £40m to £50m, and Wolves will more likely be prepared to sell him, especially if they continue to languish at the bottom of the Premier League table. Wolves could cash in now, as his value is probably at its highest that it will be all season long.
Gomes has made 12 Premier League appearances this season for Rob Edwards’ side; The new Wolves boss is insistent that the 24-year-old is not leaving in January though. He said: “We've spoken about stuff, but my focus has been on getting the team organised.
“We have got some good players and there will always be interest, but I'm not aware of anything. Joao has been excellent this week.”
Because Gomes will be cheaper than the likes of Anderson and Baleba, United are more likely to sign him in the January window compared to their other options.
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