Forget Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton: Man Utd now want £50m ace who has played 65 games under Ruben Amorim
Manchester United have been linked to both Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton ahead of the January transfer window.
Ruben Amorim is in a much better position now than a month ago, as he has all but squashed all the pressure on his job with consecutive wins for Manchester United, including a 2-1 victory against rivals Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
Things are looking up for United, but they will be keen to improve their squad in January to push even further up the Premier League table. The Red Devils are looking to add a defensive midfielder in January as Amorim has struggled to find a reliable option to play alongside Bruno Fernandes in midfield.
They were linked to Brighton’s Carlos Baleba in the summer, but the Seagulls set a price of over £100m for the 21-year-old. Reports have also suggested that United could sign Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton in January too, with the England international expected to cost over £60m if Palace are willing to sell him.
Man United now want Morten Hjulmand
Despite their links to proven Premier League stars Baleba and Wharton, reports are now suggesting that United could look elsewhere for their new defensive midfielder, to a player who played under Ruben Amorim at Sporting CP.
According to TeamTalk, Man United are interested in signing Morten Hjulmand in January for around £50m, even though he has a £70m release clause in his contract at the Portuguese club. He is more of a physical option than Baleba and Wharton, and would give Amorim a strong presence in midfield.
The 26-year-old Danish international made 65 appearances under the current United boss at Sporting, scoring six goals and providing five assists. This season, he’s started in all 12 games for the club so far, scoring one goal and being substituted off once, showing his reliable role in the side.
It isn’t understood whether Sporting would be willing to part with Hjulmand in January, but as we saw with the Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal deal, they are tough negotiators, so United may have to cough up a hefty fee to land Amorim’s former holding midfielder.
Who else could United target in midfield?
In terms of other names linked with a move to Old Trafford in the January window, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is a name that has been mentioned. It is understood that Man City are also keen on the England international who could cost up to £70m.
It isn’t clear what Anderson’s stance on leaving the City Ground is, especially considering the recent change at the manager position, with Sean Dyche taking charge following Ange Postecoglou’s sacking over the weekend.
Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves has also been linked with a move to United, as he would be a cheaper veteran option with previous experience in the Premier League with Wolves. His contract at the Saudi Pro League side is due to expire at the end of the season, when he will become a free agent.