Man United reportedly set sights on promising 24-year-old midfielder but face competition from European champions PSG

Manchester United remain on the hunt for more players in the ongoing season despite spending more than £200 million in summer signings. After going for a complete overhaul on the attacking front by signing Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha and bringing in relatively untested goalkeeper in Senne Lammens, manager Ruben Amorim has expressed interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, who is said to be a key target in the January transfer window.

It’s not just Wharton United will be after in the winter transfer window though. According to United in Focus, VfB Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller and AS Roma’s Manu Kone are also among key targets for the ‘Red Devils’ in the January transfer window, with Amorim aiming to further strengthen his midfield after focusing on his forwards this summer.

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What should further excite United about Kone, whose contract with Roma expires in 2029, is the fact that he currently plays in a system that is similar to that of Amorim.

Why signing Kone or Stiller in January will be tricky

Signing either of them in January, however, will be easier said than done, with the report claiming that neither player would want to switch clubs in January and risk losing out on regular game time in the build-up to next year’s FIFA World Cup – which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Additionally, reigning French and European champions Paris Saint-Germain have also expressed interest in signing Kone and have reached out to his representatives, the report adds. The fact that Kone will be remain part of the Champions League with PSG, something that he will miss out on if he chooses to sign with United, could also play a major role in the 24-year-old Frenchman’s final decision.

Also Read | Man United insider reveals why club did not sign a midfielder in summer transfer window

Manchester United had tried to sign Brighton and Hove Albion’s midfielder Carlos Baleba earlier in the summer, but the move never materialised with the ‘Seagulls’ valuing the Cameroonian at €120 million ($139.4m) at the time. It remains to be seen if United have completely given up on him, or prepare a fresh bid in a couple of months’ time.

In the absence of a proper central midfielder, Amorim has been forced to play captain Bruno Fernandes, who is accustomed to playing as an attacking option, at that position.

Playing out of position has affected Fernandes, who has two goals and one assist to his name in nine games this season, and signing a midfielder or two in January could solve that problem for United, who are desperately hoping for a revival this season after finishing 15th last season.