Manchester United are plotting a midfield revamp in the summer transfer window and are preparing to whittle down their list of targets, according to reports.
The Red Devils did not make any major signings in the January transfer window and are expected to put their focus on landing a new central midfielder in the summer.
Paul Pogba, 28, is out of contract at the end of the season and the French midfielder has been heavily linked with Real Madrid, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.
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United have also appeared weak in midfield this season, with the partnership between Scott McTominay and Fred often met with fierce criticism.
According to ESPN, United are already working on signing a new midfielder ahead of appointing a new permanent manager.
The Red Devils will aim to bring their list of midfield targets down to ‘around 15’ and will subsequently cut it down again to ‘around 10.’
ESPN reports that United will push ahead with negotiations with agents and clubs once the final three-man midfield shortlist is confirmed.
West Ham star Declan Rice, Leeds United playmaker Kalvin Phillips and RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara are ‘all being considered’ by the Red Devils.
The Hammers are expected to play hardball over any negotiations for Rice, who is under contract until 2024 and has been linked with Manchester City and Chelsea.
The 23-year-old England midfielder could cost United more than £100m, with West Ham boss David Moyes considering Rice a key part of his plans.
United would also face a tough test in prizing Phillips from rivals Leeds, with Marcelo Bielsa a big admirer of the England international.
Ralf Rangnick worked with Haidara at RB Leipzig and hailed him as an “absolutely exceptional talent,” with the Mali midfielder’s contract including a £32m release clause.
United have shifted the full focus to a new midfield option after the unexpected return of Cristiano Ronaldo last summer.
Ronaldo made his blockbuster return to Old Trafford after leaving Juventus, but the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was not initially part of United’s plans.
United made a late swoop for the 37-year-old Portuguese forward after cross-town rivals City ‘firmed up their interest,’ according to ESPN.
With Ronaldo under contract until 2023 (and with the option to extend), United no longer consider a centre forward to be a priority position for the club.
United interim manager Rangnick, who will take on a consultancy role after his caretaker spell, will have detailed recruitment meetings each month at the club.
The meetings will be held after the January window closed, with United keen for talks over a new manager to pick up pace before the end of the season.
It is planned for Rangnick’s successor to have ‘input into the players who arrive’ at Old Trafford.
And the new United manager and the recruitment department will adopt a ‘veto’ when it comes to what signings are made at the club.
Topics: Manchester United, Premier League, England, Football, Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips
Adnan Riaz