Manchester United are preparing for a major midfield rebuild this summer, with the Red Devils exploring moves for Sandro Tonali, Leon Goretzka, and Elliot Anderson.
With changes expected at Old Trafford, United are wasting no time in identifying reinforcements ahead of the new campaign.
According to reports in Italy, United have made initial moves to reach an agreement with Goretzka, who is set to leave Bayern Munich when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The 31-year-old has slipped down the pecking order under Vincent Kompany, and with his current deal winding down, several European clubs are circling.
Goretzka reportedly earns around £300,000 per week in Germany, but is believed to be open to a pay cut in order to secure a prominent role elsewhere.
United feel they may hold an edge in negotiations, with the midfielder said to be attracted by the prospect of regular football in the Premier League.
Landing a player of Goretzka’s pedigree on a free transfer would represent a market opportunity too good to ignore.
While Goretzka is an attractive free-agent option, United’s primary focus remains on players already proven in England.
Nottingham Forest midfielder Anderson is considered a leading target. The 23-year-old has impressed with his energy, ball progression and tactical intelligence, attributes United believe would add dynamism to their engine room.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United’s Tonali is another name high on the shortlist. The Italian international has rediscovered his rhythm in England and is viewed as a long-term midfield leader.
United’s urgency is driven by expected departures. Casemiro is set to leave when his contract expires, while Manuel Ugarte could also move on after struggling for consistent minutes.
With two senior midfielders potentially exiting, a triple swoop is not out of the question.
Whether United can pull off deals for all three remains to be seen, but one thing is clear, a new-look midfield is firmly on the agenda at Old Trafford.
