Manchester United want to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window with Ruben Amorim's side eyeing up a central midfielder and a versatile forward
Ruben Neves is an option for Manchester United
Ruben Neves is an option for Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
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The January transfer window is fast approaching and Manchester United could be among the busiest Premier League clubs in the market. Ruben Amorim's side spent more than £215million in the summer and their expenditure is expected to rise next month with the Reds keen to bolster their squad.
United wanted to sign a central midfielder before the start of the 2025/26 season and had courted Brighton's Carlos Baleba as a target. However, a deal didn't materialise and he stayed at the Amex Stadium.
While United could go back in for Baleba, there are a number of alternatives that have emerged, including Al-Hilal's Ruben Neves and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton. Elsewhere, United are in the shop window for a versatile forward with Amad and Bryan Mbeumo at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Antoine Semenyo is a player United wanted in the summer and the club are anticipated to target him again when January comes around. With that in mind, here are the latest transfer news and rumours involving United...
Neves option
Ruben Neves has reportedly emerged as a surprise transfer target for United in January as the former Wolves midfielder is keen on a return to the Premier League.
Neves, who signed for Al-Hilal in a £47million deal in 2023, is out of contract in the summer and the Saudi Pro League side are prepared to let him go for £20m next month.
The Reds are in the market for a new defensive midfielder and Neves is an option for Amorim's side, according to the Daily Mail. Although the Portugal international turns 29 in March, he has the benefit of having six years top-flight experience during his successful time at Wolves.
MEN says: It's an option that United should consider but they would be better leaving Neves and attempting to lure Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace or Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest instead.
Neves would be a suitable short-term option, at least for the next six to 18 months, but Wharton and Anderson are the future and the Reds should be eyeing up either one of them to lead their midfield.
Ruben Neves of Al-Hilal
Ruben Neves of Al-Hilal(Image: Patrick Smith - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Semenyo wanted
United will go all-out to sign Semenyo in January, according to the Telegraph. United are locked in a four-way tussle with Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool for the Bournemouth forward, who has a £65million release clause in his contract which activates at the start of next month.
City want Semenyo but United are among the suitors to take advantage of the uncertainty around Pep Guardiola's future and whether he will remain at the Etihad Stadium beyond the end of this season.
Semenyo, 25, is in huge demand and has a big decision to make regarding his next career move. The Ghana international scored his seventh goal of the season in the 4-4 draw against United at Old Trafford on Monday.
MEN says: He would be the perfect signing for United. Although Semenyo has been used in an attacking wide role for Bournemouth, Amorim could use him in the left wing-back role for the Reds.
Like Amad, Semenyo has the capabilities and tactical mindset to drop back and be used a little deeper but also have the license to get forward and create attacking opportunities. For me, it's a deal that should get done in January, even if a central midfielder is the priority target position.