Man Utd identify 'try before you buy' January transfer as new midfield target emerges

Suraj Radia

Updated: 11 Dec 2025 16:52 GMT
4 min read

Ruben Amorim, Man Utd, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Manchester United are hoping to sign a long-term target on a ‘try-before-you-buy’ deal in January, with a new midfield option also emerging onto Ruben Amorim’s shortlist.

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United are keen to add two elite midfielders to Amorim’s squad in 2026, with the likes of Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton believed to be the club’s top targets, although it remains unlikely that any of those players can be signed in January.

Doubts are continuing to grow over Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Old Trafford and United would only sanction the 20-year-old’s departure if they could find a replacement who represents value in the market as well as providing sufficient quality.

As a result, United have not given up hope of signing Conor Gallagher in January after seeing an approached rebuffed for the midfielder in the summer and Atletico Madrid are willing to cash in on the England international for the right price.

Current ETV

Conor Gallagher

M (CL), DM (C)

Atlético Madrid

Conor Gallagher

M (CL), DM (C)

Atlético Madrid

ETV Range

€36.5M - €44.6M

However, according to transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, while Gallagher is not United’s first-choice signing, a deal could be pursued if Atletico soften their stance on a loan move with an option to buy, providing a ‘free hit’ with no commitment to a costly deal.

Atletico have so far insisted Gallagher is only available for sale for around €40 million but Jacobs told The United Stand that the Red Devils would largely be interested in the 25-year-old on a ‘try-before-you-buy’ loan or if the Spanish side drastically drop their asking price.

United eye USMNT star as potential midfield option

Should a deal for Gallagher not materialise, Jacobs also mentioned a new target that has manifested for United in Tyler Adams, although a deal could be more likely in the summer.

© IMAGO - Tyler Adams has emerged as a target for Man Utd.

While the 26-year-old is not top of United’s list due to his age, Jacobs revealed that the club like the Bournemouth star’s ‘character’ such as his leadership qualities and that he ‘ticks a lot of boxes’ as a midfield target.

Jacobs expanded that Adams could come into United's thoughts as a more 'economical' option if the club are unable to sign both of their ideal targets, given the desire to splash the cash on two elite midfielders.

However, there is expected to be competition for the American international, particularly if he shines at next summer's World Cup, while Bournemouth are reluctant to part ways with another key player, with United also expected to pursue Antione Semenyo, who is likely to leave the Cherries in the coming months.

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