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Manchester United’s summer transfer priority is to bring a replacement for outgoing Brazilian international midfielder Casemiro. The former Real Madrid star will leave this summer.
Reportedly, their primary target is Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson. However, rivals Manchester City are now the favourites to sign the midfielder in a £100m deal.
United looking at Premier League alternatives
Anderson isn’t the only talented young central midfielder in the Premier League, though. Reportedly, United have now turned their attention to two of those alternatives in the shape of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.
Wharton has impressed in the centre of the Crystal Palace midfield in recent seasons. His displays have led to an international call-up for England and have attracted the interest of some of the league’s higher-profile clubs.
Unfortunately for United, they may face a similar issue to the one with Anderson, with one of their rivals looking to be in pole position to sign their transfer target. Reports suggest that their north west rivals Liverpool are in advanced talks to sign the central midfielder, in a deal reported to be worth in the region of £80m.
If Wharton does join the men from Merseyside, then Brighton’s Cameroon international Carlos Baleba could prove to be an alternative. Although he hasn’t enjoyed the most consistent of campaigns, the 22-year-old has shown enough in the last two seasons to prove that he is worth pursuing.
The pair look the most likely central midfield targets for United this summer. Although linked with summer switches, the likes of Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali and Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouaméni look less likely to be plying their trade at United next season.
United could boost their transfer budget with sales
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The Red Devils’ finances and transfer budget will be boosted by Champions League qualification. However, that budget is likely to increase with the sale of players this summer.
Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte has endured a tough two seasons at Old Trafford and could well move on this summer. Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund have all been on loan at other clubs this season.
The quartet could all make permanent moves, which would give United some extra funds to strengthen their squad in key areas.