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By BEN WILLCOCKS, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Published: 04: 51 AEDT, 27 November 2025 | Updated: 04: 51 AEDT, 27 November 2025 11 View comments Manchester United have devised a seven-man midfield shortlist ahead of next summer, according to a report. The Red Devils, who suffered their latest setback in the Premier League on Monday night with a disappointing 1-0 loss to Everton, are keen to bolster Ruben Amorim's squad at the next available opportunity. United are not expected to invest heavily during the January transfer window after splashing out £225million last summer on the likes of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko - but have already started thinking ahead to next summer. With high earners Casemiro, Harry Maguire and Jadon Sancho all out of contract at the end of the season, and Marcus Rashford’s £325, 000-a-week deal potentially disappearing if he completes a permanent move to Barcelona, United could trim as much as £1 million per week from their wage bill. According to ESPN's Rob Dawson, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos intend to reinvest the savings into strengthening the club's midfield in the summer - and have drafted up a seven-man shortlist. Leading the group of targets is Brighton's 21-year-old midfielder Carlos Baleba, who was the subject of tentative enquiries made by the club in August. Manchester United have devised a seven-man midfield shortlist ahead of next summer Leading the seven-man group of targets is Brighton's 21-year-old midfielder Carlos Baleba Man United are also interested in England pair Elliot Anderson (left) and Adam Wharton (right) The Seagulls told United that they would only sell the young Cameroonian for a fee of £115m, which would eclipse the club's record signing Paul Pogba who arrived for £89m in 2016. While continuing to pursue Baleba, United are reportedly monitoring England's midfield duo Elliott Anderson, 23, and Adam Wharton, 21, from Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace respectively. Both midfielders have enjoyed impressive starts to the season in the Premier League and subsequently climbed up the pecking order under England boss Thomas Tuchel, each earning starts during the November international break. Despite playing for the team with the worst record in the Premier League, Wolves duo Joao Gomes and Andre both find themselves on United's seven-man shortlist, each likely to demand a cheaper fee than the aforementioned trio. The Molineux club currently sit rock bottom in the division, winless after 12 games and favourites to be relegated. Meanwhile, former Chelsea and England star Conor Gallagher is reportedly being monitored by Manchester United. The Atletico Madrid midfielder has fallen down the pecking for both club and country since his 2024 move to Spain, struggling for game time under Diego Simeone. The Red Devils were offered the chance to sign him on transfer deadline day but it is now understood they face stiff competition to lure him to Old Trafford, with Gallagher reportedly attracting interest from up to 16 Premier League clubs ahead of January. United could trim as much as £1 million per week from their wage bill, with high earners Casemiro (above), Harry Maguire and Jadon Sancho all out of contract at the end of the season Manchester United have also placed Stuttgart's highly-rated Angelo Stiller on the shortlist According to Sky Sports, only Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City have not expressed an interest in the 22-cap England star. Finally, Manchester United have also placed Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller on the shortlist. The highly-rated German midfielder is also a target of Bayern Munich.
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