Man Utd ‘to hand new manager £150m’ as nine-man transfer list emerges | Football | Sport

Manchester United have earmarked £150million to bring in three central midfielders – and have reportedly narrowed their shortlist down to nine potential targets.

According to the Daily Mail, United are looking to acquire three central midfielders for a combined fee of £150million. Among those being considered is Nottingham Forest dynamo Elliot Anderson, who has previously been valued in excess of £100m.

The Red Devils have also been linked with Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, and Newcastle United pair Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes. Additionally, Aurelien Tchouameni – who was strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford before opting for Real Madrid – is also thought to feature on United’s wishlist.

Further options reportedly include Bournemouth duo Alex Scott and Tyler Adams, along with box-to-box West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes. Southampton prospect Shea Charles is also thought to be on United’s shortlist, with the Saints having secured a play-off place this season, though he would be viewed as one for the future rather than an immediate first-team upgrade.

Midfield remains the primary area of concern, but United are equally keen to strengthen several other positions across the squad. The club are understood to be seeking additional cover at left-back and central defence, while another left-winger is also firmly on the agenda.

With Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana both tipped to leave Old Trafford in the summer, a new goalkeeper to provide support for Senne Lammens is also high on the wishlist. United’s qualification for next season’s Champions League will prove instrumental in helping the club realise these ambitions for a number of reasons.

Securing a place in the competition is expected to generate a further £200m for United once prize money and commercial considerations are taken into account.

This will hand the next United manager a considerable transfer war chest, particularly in midfield. Michael Carrick has performed admirably since succeeding Ruben Amorim, winning ten of his 14 Premier League fixtures.

Nevertheless, no formal decision has yet been reached regarding whether Carrick will remain as United manager when next season gets under way. He has made an outstanding impression at Old Trafford, yet the likes of Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth and numerous others continue to be linked with the position.