Manchester United are planning multiple additions in midfield after significant changes behind the scenes.
United recently agreed a £35M deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson. The Brazilian had entered the final year of his contract before negotiations accelerated.
Meanwhile, further departures could still follow at Old Trafford. Manuel Ugarte faces an uncertain future, while Casemiro’s release has left the squad extremely short in midfield options.
At present, Kobbie Mainoo and Ugarte remain the only senior central midfielders available. Therefore, United have widened their search across both the Premier League and Europe.
The club have monitored several younger midfielders closely. Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, Alex Scott and Mateus Fernandes are all under consideration this summer.
United figures reportedly view Nottingham Forest midfielder Anderson as the ideal option. However, Manchester City are still considered frontrunners in that race.
Meanwhile, Brighton midfielder Baleba remains admired after United explored a possible move last summer.
Bournemouth talent Alex Scott has also attracted attention after an impressive campaign under Andoni Iraola. However, the biggest midfield target appeared to emerge from Spain.
Manchester United expressed interest in Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni before the transfer window officially opened. However, United may now face a major setback.
Florentino Perez recently secured re-election as Real Madrid president, while Jose Mourinho is also expected to return to the Bernabeu to replace Alvaro Arbeloa.
According to Samuel Luckhurst, Mourinho reportedly wants Tchouameni to remain at Real Madrid and has no intention of approving a sale this summer.
The French midfielder still carries enormous value because of his club and international pedigree.
Tchouameni started the 2022 World Cup final and also helped Madrid win the Champions League in 2024. United previously had the opportunity to sign him from Monaco in 2021.
However, they prioritised other players, and Tchouameni eventually joined Madrid in a €100M move (including add-ons) the following summer.
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