Man Utd's four-man midfield shortlist as most likely transfer in January emerges

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is keen to rebuild his midfield as part of his Red Devils overhaul with a number of Premier League stars already on the club’s January shortlist

Manchester United completed a huge rebuild of their attack in the summer - and are now set to move onto their next stage. Ruben Amorim is targeting an overhaul of the club’s midfield as his next task at Old Trafford.

The futures of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo are in doubt and should both leave, that could see United move for a host of midfield additions. Club officials have already started compiling a list of potential names that they could move for.

Premier League stars feature among the names on the shortlist, albeit all of them are expected to be expensive. But who is most likely to join United?

And could those switches potentially happen in just six weeks’ time as the January transfer window opens? Mirror Football takes a look....

Dubbed as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League by England boss Thomas Tuchel, Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson looks set to be at the heart of a battle between the Red Devils and former club Newcastle.

Both Premier League sides are interested in the England man but it could be a difficult deal for both to do. Forest have categorically ruled out a January exit from the City Ground, while owner Evangelos Marinakis has placed a £100m price tag on his head.

It remains to be seen whether United would be willing to fork out that amount. Anderson’s contract in the Midlands is set to run until the summer of 2029, having only sealed a £15m move to Forest from Newcastle last summer.

Again, Anderson looks slightly out of reach for United as it stands so he might be one that they revisit in the summer.

Brighton have harnessed a reputation as one of the most effective talent factories in the Premier League over recent seasons. But the Seagulls have not been afraid of selling their star men.

The next off of the conveyer belt looks set to be Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baleba. United are long-term admirers of the 21-year-old and attempted to sign him in the summer.

They are expected to renew their interest in the near future but may have to pay up to £100m to secure his signature. Speaking earlier this season, Brighton chief Tony Bloom said: “I don’t think Baleba was a saga. There was interest from Manchester United, and we said that he wasn't available this summer and they went away.

“So we've had many bigger sagas in the past. But Carlos Baleba, his improvement has been immense. Massively important player to this football club, and just delighted that he's with us for this season.”

This one looks unlikely in January - but could become a real option next summer.

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Despite Wolves’ rotten season so far, Brazilian midfielder Joao Gomes has been a bright spot. The 24-year-old has emerged as one of the Black Country side's best players since his 2023 arrival from Flamengo.

Recent reports have suggested that Man United are keeping a keen eye on him, with £44m thought to be enough to seal his services. In the meantime, former Wolves star Matheus Cunha has also shared his admiration of his compatriot.

There are some caveats to a potential move though. Gomes only signed a new deal back in April, while Wolves might not be too keen on cashing in during the January window as they attempt to rescue their Premier League spot.

Wolves have also promised new boss Rob Edwards that they won't be selling any key players in the winter window. Of course, that could change should United make an offer way in excess of Wolves' reported valuation. United will certainly be keeping an eye on developments ahead of any potential swoop.

The former Chelsea star enjoyed an impressive debut season with following his permanent move to Spain, but Gallagher has fallen out of favour this term and has made just two league starts.

It has already been suggested that the Red Devils have submitted an enquiry regarding the England star. And while Gallagher has revealed that he is ‘not satisfied’ with his current situation, he is not actively looking for a move away.

He said: “No, no, of course not. I'm not satisfied. I don't think anyone is if they're not playing as much as they'd like, but I'll keep working very hard to help the team whenever I have the chance, and hopefully more opportunities to be a starter will come.

“I'm very happy here. My goal is to win titles with Atleti and I want to have a bigger role in the team. And, as I've said, I'm going to keep working as hard as I can to play more minutes and help the team.”

Gallagher remains under contract with Atletico until 2029. As it stands, he looks to be the most likely option for the Red Devils.