Manchester United are gearing up for a midfield overhaul in 2026, with French star Ayyoub Bouaddi on their radar following a big decision over Carlos Baleba.<\/p>\n
Man Utd<\/a> are looking to sign at least two new midfielders amid uncertainty over the futures of Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte. Fernandes could leave after the World Cup if a big-money offer arrives from Saudi Arabia, while Mainoo has been pushing to leave in January for increased game time.<\/p>\n Plus, Casemiro\u2019s contract expires at the end of the season, and Ugarte\u2019s poor performances have left Ruben Amorim disappointed. Lille\u2019s Bouaddi is one option being considered to inject new energy into the United midfield\u2026<\/p>\n Man Utd in mix for Bouaddi<\/p>\n Our transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher has revealed that there will be a busy race to sign Bouaddi in the winter window, with United firmly among his potential suitors<\/a>.<\/p>\n Sources state that United see the 18-year-old as a long-term successor for Casemiro, with their scouts having watched him \u2018extensively\u2019 in recent months.<\/p>\n Despite Bouaddi\u2019s tender age, he is already showing his class for Lille in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League. The teenager has been compared to a young Paul Pogba, while Breaking the Lines describe him as a \u2018formidable tackler\u2019 who boasts \u2018excellent long-range passing ability\u2019 and \u2018takes control of a game\u2019.<\/p>\n Lille have managed to tie Bouaddi down to a long-term contract, which runs until June 2029, and want \u20ac60million (\u00a352.5m) before sanctioning his exit.<\/p>\n We understand Chelsea are considering a \u20ac45-50m (\u00a339-44m) approach for the France U21 international, while interest has also arisen from Arsenal, Liverpool and Real Madrid.<\/p>\n But it is Paris Saint-Germain whom United will need to overcome to agree a deal. As things stand, PSG are frontrunners to sign Bouaddi, having held concrete and productive talks with his camp.<\/p>\n There are other options for United, in case they miss out on Bouaddi. January moves for Conor Gallagher, Joao Gomes and Ruben Neves are being considered.<\/p>\n The Red Devils could then complete a blockbuster midfield signing next summer, with Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton both key targets.<\/p>\n Brighton & Hove Albion star Baleba was previously in United\u2019s sights, but such interest has cooled\u2026<\/p>\n Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google <\/a>to your favourites list for news you can trust.<\/p>\n Baleba move on hold<\/p>\n Dean Jones has reported for TEAMtalk that United have paused their pursuit of Baleba<\/a> until his signing becomes more economically viable.<\/p>\n Brighton continue to demand at least \u00a3100m for Baleba, viewing him as someone with the potential to even eclipse Moises Caicedo\u2019s performances.<\/p>\n However, United will only re-enter talks for Baleba if his price tag falls to \u00a370m or less.<\/p>\n We revealed in October that United have doubts about signing the Cameroonian<\/a> due to his drop in form this campaign.<\/p>\n It is suspected that Baleba has been distracted after a switch to Old Trafford failed to materialise over the summer.<\/p>\n United made contact with Brighton but decided against ramping up talks after learning of the Seagulls\u2019 \u00a3100m demands.<\/p>\n If United are to smash their transfer record on a midfielder, it is more likely to be on Nottingham Forest\u2019s Anderson.<\/p>\n Mainoo exit OFF<\/p>\n As mentioned previously, Mainoo has asked the United hierarchy for a loan move in January, after failing to secure an exit in the summer.<\/p>\n Recent reports suggested Mainoo\u2019s relationship with United is \u2018at breaking point\u2019 amid stalled contract talks and a lack of starts. The Englishman has even begun to consider a permanent transfer in recent weeks.<\/p>\n