Manchester United were reportedly offered the chance to sign a 'mystery midfielder' in the January transfer window and the identity of that star appears to have emerged
20:30, 20 Jan 2026
A man in a black long-sleeved shirt raises his fist in celebration on a sports field, with a blurred background indicating a crowd.
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Manchester United have been 'offered' the chance to sign a new midfielder(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Manchester United have been offered the opportunity to sign Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has found himself out of favour at AC Milan.
Despite a change in management, the Red Devils had initially informed Michael Carrick that no transfers would be made in the New Year. However, this stance could shift, with the club's hierarchy now considering a loan signing.
Last week, it was revealed that United had initiated preliminary discussions with a 'mystery midfielder' who had prior Premier League experience but is currently playing overseas. Loftus-Cheek fits this description, having played for Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Fulham before joining Milan in the summer of 2023.
MILAN, ITALY - JANUARY 18: Ruben Loftus-Cheek of AC Milan greets the fans and celebrates the victory after the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/AC Milan via Getty Images)
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Ruben Loftus-Cheek hasn't played regularly for AC Milan(Image: Giuseppe Cottini, AC Milan via Getty Images)
However, his playing time at the San Siro has significantly decreased, and according to talkSPORT, Loftus-Cheek is eager to return to England. Discussions about a potential move to Manchester are still in the early stages as both clubs assess the level of interest.
Loftus-Cheek, who has been part of Premier League and Europa League-winning teams at Chelsea, would bring considerable experience to the Manchester squad. He has also demonstrated his versatility over the years and earned an England recall in October.
United, still very much in the running for a Champions League spot, have also considered making a move for Wilfred Ndidi. The ex-Leicester midfielder, currently captain of Besiktas, is keen to return to England for both football and family reasons.
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 11: Ruben Loftus-Cheek of England controls the ball during a training session at St Georges Park on October 11, 2025 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
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Loftus-Cheek returned to the England squad under Thomas Tuchel(Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA, The FA via Getty Images)
Carrick managed to coax an impressive performance from his team in his first match as United stunned Manchester City on Saturday. Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo were the starting midfielders, with the academy graduate previously overlooked by the former management.
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Carrick has spoken highly of him in the past, suggesting he could play a significant role moving forward.
United's hesitance to make any moves in January stems from the fact that their targets are not presently available. The club has three players on their radar - Carlos Baleba from Brighton, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, and Elliot Anderson at Nottingham Forest.
All three are held in high regard by their respective clubs, who would be reluctant to let them go. It's expected that at least some of them will seek a new challenge eventually, but availability will likely be a key factor in determining who the Manchester side ultimately pursues come summer.