Fabrizio Romano: Manchester United working on deal to sign 'very talented' midfielder but it is 'not easy'
The latest Man Utd transfer news and gossip as they look to complete a new deal at youth level.
The hard work is already underway as Manchester United look to overhaul their midfield options next year. United did not view midfield as 'priority' position in the summer window but have already identified it as an area for reinforcement when the transfer window reopens again.
United are expected to move for at least two midfielders next summer and could even require a third, depending on what happens to those already at the club. Casemiro is out of contract at the end of the season, Bruno Fernandes remains a long-term target for Saudi clubs and Kobbie Mainoo is unhappy with his reduced role and has yet to commit to a new contract. Manuel Ugarte has struggled for consistency since he was signed a year ago.
Brighton ace Carlos Baleba, Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest talisman Elliot Anderson are all expected to feature on their shortlist, though they also want to strengthen the options available to them at youth level.
United working on Dabo deal
Manchester United have already reached an agreement to sign Cristian Orozco when he turns 18 next summer and could add another teenage midfielder to their ranks. Mouhamed Dabo spent time on trial with United last month and while initial claims he was 'close to an agreement' were not true, he is still appreciated by the club.
United are still exploring a possible deal for the 17-year-old Senegalese midfielder, though any transfer is far from straightforward to complete. Speaking in a recent YouTube video, notorious transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano issued an update on their pursuit of the youngster.
"He was invited for a trial and really appreciated by Manchester United. A very talented boy. Manchester United had him on trial for a few days at the end of September," Romano told viewers.
"Then what happened is they signed Cristian Orozco from Fortaleza, that deal is done, $1 million. United want to go sign Dabo, but the problem here is about the formal steps. Regulations and everything to be agreed with his current club. There is still no green light.
"All the formalities that are usually normal to complete, are not that easy. They are working on this deal but at the moment it is still not done because of technical and formal steps. He is very appreciated in terms of talent and potential. Man United want to add more young talent to their academy in order to become the next big thing. At the moment, the deal is not advancing.