Manchester United’s John Murtough’s top targets named and midfielder could make Old Trafford switch

With two weeks remaining in the January transfer window, Manchester United continue to be linked with several high-calibre names.

The Red Devils sit seventh in the Premier League table, as well as being in the last 16 of the Champions League and the fourth round of the FA Cup.

In order to achieve a top four finish and work towards bringing some silverware to Old Trafford this season, interim manager Ralf Rangnick might have to dip his toes into the transfer market.

Let’s take a look at some of the names the club are being linked with according to reports.

Three-man shortlist

According to reports, the Red Devils’ football director John Murtough has created a three-man list of players he thinks will add quality to Rangnick’s squad.

Their top target on that list is Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, as per The Athletic.

The 18-year-old is in his second season with the German club and has been a vital member of their squad since his arrival from Birmingham City in 2020.

However, the site claims a move to Old Trafford for the England international is unlikely to occur until at least the summer.

The second player on that list is West Ham midfielder Declan Rice. A player who has been admired by United for some time, the 23-year-old wouldn’t come cheap with the Hammers placing a £100m price tag on his head.

Given the valuation of Rice, it is likely that the Red Devils will again wait until the summer window to make a move for him.

The third name has not been revealed, however, another target of the club is Amadou Haidara. The RB Leipzig midfielder has worked with Rangnick in the past, but could see his future elsewhere.

According to the Mirror, the German could miss out on the Mali international, who is representing his country at the Africa Cup of Nations, due to the club’s ‘lack of urgency’ with a deal for the midfielder.

Newcastle United are said to be interested in the 23-year-old and could use their wealth as a luring point.

Denis Zakaria

Another name rumoured to be a priority signing for United is Borussia Monchengladbach’s  Denis Zakaria.

The Swiss international could leave Gladbach this month due to his contract expiring at the end of the season.

Gladbach’s sporting director Max Eberl has provided an update surrounding Zakaria’s future with the club, telling Kicker the midfielder could leave during the winter window.

“There’s nothing on my desk,” Eberi said.

“It’s not surprising that there is speculation about both of them and especially Denis, but it’s no longer our topic.

“They both still have a half year of contract. But we have also said again and again that if something comes up that we have to deal with for financial reasons.

“I cannot rule out that both will leave the club in winter - or one. There will be changes in the summer. We’ve worked with one squad for almost three years now.”

The 25-year-old was not part of his club’s 2-1 defeat against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.