MANCHESTER UNITED are planning some big moves this summer to bolster their squad for their next permanent manager.
are flying high in third place in the Premier League, but their success has only spurred the hierarchy on to
Manchester United have a nine-man shortlist for their summer transfer window, including Carlos Baleba Credit: Getty
Whether is given the nod to remain in the dugout past the end of the season, or in the event that a new manager arrives in the summer, they won’t be lacking in fresh options in the dressing room.
And according to the Athletic , the club are already monitoring nine stars as potential options, especially in central areas of the pitch.
Near the top of the shortlist is Brighton starlet , 22,
The Cameroonian midfielder was courted by and co last summer, but the move never materialised after it was revealed
He has not hit the heights of last year this season, and will be a name that the club will likely .
And Baleba is far from the only Premier League midfielder drawing interest from .
Another name on the list is Newcastle‘s , who is one of a number of names expected to depart the North East this summer.
The Italian, 25, represents a more rounded and mobile option in the heart of the midfield than or , both of whom are set to make their exits from the club at the end of the season.
His agent confirmed he is on the radar of top Premier League clubs earlier this month, and a move could be realistic if United are willing to fork out his considerable transfer fee, expected to be at least in the region of £80million.
United are also monitoring a contingent of three English stars to join at Carrington, made up of , and .
Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali is expected to be on the market in summer Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Elliot Anderson could cost in the region of £100million Credit: Alamy
Anderson, 23, has been a after his stellar recent performances for .
He has also emerged as a likely starter for at the World Cup alongside star , and has should interest arrive for his services.
But he will from Palace star Wharton and Bournemouth , who have both featured in international squads in the past year, and remain in the hunt for European qualification in the Prem this season.
United could choose to capitalise on the misfortune of Wolves and , should the East London outfit lose their relegation shoot-out with Spurs, by raiding the sides in the summer window.
has been a rare shining light in the Hammers’ season, with the 21-year-old box-to-box midfielder being a key part of reigniting the team’s survival hopes.
He also from United skipper Bruno Fernandes, with the pair linking up on international duty for Portugal.
As a budget option, already-relegated Wolves will likely be forced to part ways with international midfielder Joao Gomes.
Gomes has played 126 times for the midlands side but it is hard to imagine him sticking around in the , especially if he hopes to add to his 10 appearances for his nation.
One international option is star , who has been discussed by the United hierarchy despite playing the vast majority of available minutes for the Spanish giants this season.
Securing his signature would be a coup for the Red Devils, but with the club hoping to bring in at least two midfield options, he could be the statement signing needed to try and kickstart belief in the side.
Micky Van de Ven could be brought in to strengthen things at the back Credit: Getty
Away from the midfield, United are also keen on strengthening in the heart of their defence.
United have already pulled the trigger on a one-year extension for , and have a wealth of options at the back including Lisandro Martinez, and summer arrival .
But an injury and suspension crisis forced the club into starting academy prospect against at the weekend, and though Heaven made a good account of himself in that match, a more experienced signing could help strengthen the team between domestic and European competitions next campaign.
Ratcliffe and Co are again poised to exploit a potential relegation in the position, with leading the shortlist.
The lightning-quick Dutch defender could be available on a cut price as part of a first-team exodus should the North Londoners suffer a shock drop come the end of the season.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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