Manchester United: Adam Wharton and former Chelsea star 'on transfer shortlist' ahead of January window | OneFootball

Bruno Fernandes’ injury could force Man Utd into accelerating transfer plans

Manchester United have drawn up a seven-man midfield shortlist, and could try to sign at least one midfielder in January following the injury to Bruno Fernandes.

There are fears that Fernandes could be out for up to a month with a potential hamstring injury, and talkSPORT report that Ruben Amorim is keen to bolster his midfield options.

On the shortlist of names are Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Tyler Adams and Angelo Stiller, but it seems unlikely that any of them will be available until the summer.

Conor Gallagher has fallen out of favour at Atletico

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Kobbie Mainoo is expected to get more opportunities following the injury to Fernandes, but he is currently nursing a calf injury himself and not fit to play.

Gallagher has been at Atletico Madrid for almost 18 months, since leaving Chelsea, but has fallen out of favour with manager Diego Simeone.

He has only started four league games for Atletico this season despite being fully fit, and it is thought that he would be open to a return to the Premier League.

One sticking point could however be that Atletico only want to sell the midfielder and United are looking for a loan move only.

Neves has been at Al Hilal for over two years and is reportedly keen to play Champions League football. Whilst United are currently not in the competition, it is their aim to qualify for next season, and the club appeals to the Portuguese star.

He does currently earn £300,000 a week in Saudi Arabia and would likely have to take a large pay cut in order to join the Red Devils.

With Casemiro's age, Manuel Ugarte’s form, Amorim not being a huge fan of Mainoo, and Fernandes being the only consistently fit and reliable midfielder, United are expected to explore a midfield signing in this upcoming window, and potentially make another in the summer.