Manchester United have held talks to sign Besiktas midfielder Wilfried Ndidi in the January transfer window, with the former Leicester City star keen on a return to England, according to journalist Alan Myers.
Following the exit of Ruben Amorim earlier this month, it appeared as though it could be a quiet window for the Red Devils, who lie one place and point outside of the Champions League spots in the Premier League table.
However, GIVEMESPORT senior reporter Fabrizio Romano revealed earlier this week that Man United are holding internal talks over making a signing before the February 2 deadline.
Midfield has been the area talked about the most - before and after Amorim's dismissal - as the area that needs bolstering, with GIVEMESPORT sources expecting at least two new arrivals in the centre of the park for the club in 2026.
Ndidi 'Anxious' to Return to England
Wilfred Ndidi in action for Leicester City
One of the major prerequisites for United in their search to land new midfielders this year is that, ideally, they would arrive at Old Trafford with Premier League experience.
The recent additions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have pointed to the fact that Red Devils deal-makers believe that know-how of English football is a key trait, and Ndidi offers that.
United, according to Myers posting on X on Wednesday morning, have had discussions over a move to bring the 29-year-old back to the UK six months after he left Leicester for Istanbul.
Despite only being in Turkey for six months, as well as being captain of Besiktas in recent weeks, the Nigeria international is said to be keen on a move back to England.
Footballing and family reasons are said to be behind that decision, but despite the wishes of the player - Julius Aghahowa told reporters last summer that the 'powerful' midfielder wanted to join United - sorting out an acceptable deal with Besiktas this month could be the biggest obstacle.
Which Other Midfielders are United Being Linked With?
loftus-cheek ac milan
In a month when it is difficult to find the right opportunity that actually strengthens your squad, there hasn't been a shortage of names linked, along with Ndidi.
While the longer-term summer targets appear to be Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, Brighton and Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, there are mid-season options too.
Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves is being linked with a return to England and United following his spell with Wolverhampton Wanderers previously, while former Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has also been offered to the Red Devils with his minutes limited at AC Milan.
Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney is another mentioned as a United target, and he is a player Carrick knows particularly well having managed him during his spell in charge at the Riverside.
Man United Given Chance to Appoint Trophy-Winning Manager
Manchester United first team coach Michael Carrick looks on
While Carrick got off to the perfect start with a comfortable win against arch-rivals Manchester City at the weekend, it will need a strong run of results between now and the end of the season if he is to be considered for the role permanently.
In the summer, United may have been given the perfect opportunity to appoint a fellow Premier League manager.
Oliver Glasner announced last week that he would be leaving Crystal Palace in June when his contract expires, and he should be a prime contender on United's list to succeed Amorim.
The Austrian is a strong character and ended the Eagles' trophy drought by winning the FA Cup and Community Shield in 2025, beating Manchester City and Liverpool respectively.
The fact that INEOS could land him for free should be an attractive proposition, and he has proven more often than not that if he is backed, he is a winner.
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