MANCHESTER United are open to adding two new midfielders in 2026, talkSPORT understands.
Ruben Amorim is seeking more pace and athleticism in the centre of the park at Old Trafford.
United also know Kobbie Mainoo’s long-term future is uncertain, while Bruno Fernandes could still be sold next summer.
Casemiro’s contract expires this summer, although United have the option to trigger a one-year extension.
The Brazilian is highly valued by Amorim, and it remains possible he extends his stay beyond the end of this season despite interest from both Brazilian and Saudi Pro League clubs.
United were not quoted any price over the summer when initial talks took place and are aware there will be competition for the Cameroon international’s signature.
Elliot Anderson is also appreciated, but no talks of note have yet taken place.
The England international is understood to be reticent to leave Nottingham Forest mid-season, even with Sean Dyche’s side currently in the bottom three.
Thomas Tuchel has told Anderson if he continues his current form he’ll be part of the England squad for the 2026 World Cup.
United are one of several Premier League clubs also keeping tabs on Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, who could yet sign improved terms at Selhurst Park.
Wharton has not to date agitated to leave Palace, but is looking to play Champions League football at some point in his career.
He is contracted until 2029, and is another player who is not expected to entertain a mid-season move.
Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller is another name to watch and is understood to be tempted by a Premier League switch.
United did not make a bid over the summer, but are monitoring the 24-year-old Germany international.
Stiller has a release clause of around £35million, but Stuttgart can pay a fee in the region of £1.5m to remove that from his contract.
Conor Gallagher could possibly be on the move in January and is a more feasible name to get mid-season compared to other targets.
United made a summer loan approach for the midfielder, but Atletico Madrid were only prepared to sanction a permanent sale.
Gallagher is open to a return to England, having struggled for minutes this season.
Although he has made nine LaLiga appearances, he is yet to start and finish a match.
Atleti want a fee in excess of £35m, while United still prefer a loan formula if they are to reignite their interest.
Chelsea’s Andrey Santos is another ambitious United target.
The Brazilian was discussed initially during the early-stage talks that eventually saw Alejandro Garnacho move to Stamford Bridge for £40m without a player going the other way.
Santos has made eight appearances in all competitions this season after an impressive loan spell with Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg last campaign.
Santos was linked with a summer exit but now has regular minutes at ChelseaCredit: Getty
Saudi club Al-Qadsiah were also informed of this over the summer when they made a formal approach for the 21-year-old.
Santos was somewhat open to listening to options in the early part of the summer, with Bayern Munich another club to express an interest.
But he was always going to give priority to Chelsea to assess how much game time would be afforded to him, and enough has come to satisfy the midfielder.