Manchester United could well enter the market for a midfielder in January if an opportunity presents itself.
The Red Devils have mulled a midfield acquisition all summer, with one of their most notable targets being Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba.
United and Carlos Baleba: What happened during the summer?
Baleba was said to be interested in a move to Old Trafford. However, Brighton’s £100m-plus valuation of the 21-year-old, coupled with the fact they were prioritizing another attacking signing, led United to end their pursuit after holding brief talks with the player.
United finally secured their striker signing in the form of Benjamin Sesko, essentially leaving them without transfer funds to facilitate the arrival of a high-quality midfielder.
INEOS made a late attack on Conor Gallagher loan
Then, in the final week of the window, United tested Atlético Madrid’s resolve with a bid to bring in Conor Gallagher, who Mauricio Pochettino once hailed as ‘invaluable’, on loan.
However, the La Liga giants were not interested in sanctioning such a deal and were only willing to do business if it was a permanent transfer from which they could recover a fee. Before the Reds made contact, Gallagher’s former club Crystal Palace also inquired about his loan.
INEOS bosses admitted that not all areas of the team could be strengthened in a single window and diverted their attention from the center of the park, but they could be tempted to return in winter.
“I think it is a possibility for Manchester United to look for a new midfielder in January, so in this case it will depend on the opportunities.” said Fabrizio Romano on Wednesday night, via GiveMeSport.
“I don’t think the January window, not just for Man United but in general, is about big names moving. Unless there is an opportunity for a big name, I think it has to be the window for a loan deal or a last minute opportunity in the market.
“For example, Man United tried to sign Connor Gallagher in the last few days of the summer transfer window, so that kind of opportunity, should he be available or any other player with that kind of skill set become available on a good deal, perhaps with a loan to buy option for Man United, could be interesting. But at the moment, we are not in that direction yet.”