Manchester United are targeting Elliott Anderson and Jarrad Branthwaite in bold double deals in January, according to reports.
The Red Devils have been very active in the transfer market in recent months, with club leaders sanctioning a major overhaul of the squad after finishing 15th in the Premier League and failing to win a trophy in 2024/25.
In the summer transfer window, Manchester United mainly focused on improving their attack power, acquiring Benjamin Sesco, Brian Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, and replacing Andre Onana with Senne Lamence as their No. 1 goalkeeper.
Ruben Amorim’s side were able to raise money and secure the signings of Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hjøjlund, Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony and Jadon Sancho.
And these deals contributed to a very positive opportunity for Man United, a rarity since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.
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Their transfer business has affected their performance on the field, with Man United currently on a four-game unbeaten run in the Premier League and entering the European conversation.
Still, Man United have areas to improve in certain positions and it is widely reported that their priority is signing a new No. 6 in January or next summer.
United made a bold move in the summer to sign Brighton star Carlos Baleva, but there was a price tag attached to the midfielder, who is worth £100m.
And with Valeva’s form declining in recent months, Manchester United have reportedly turned to a replacement.
The Red Devils are already “preparing a huge offer” to sign Nottingham Forest and England star Anderson in January, according to a report by journalist Fraser Fletcher to his TEAMtalk colleagues.
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This may be difficult as Forest clearly want to keep hold of their prized asset, but Man United are said to be “confident that a deal can be struck”.
The report adds:
“Forest are under no pressure to sell and value Anderson following a seamless integration.
“So while we understand that Forest are looking to stall around the £80m mark, we believe United can strike a deal closer to £60m.”
Manchester United are also plotting a potential double-sign for Everton standout Branthwaite, but another report from Teamtalk claims there is no chance of signing the centre-back in January.
It is noted that their ‘decision’ regarding Branthwaite is that ‘he is not going anywhere in January’.
The report claims:
“Everton have consistently valued Branthwaite at more than £70 million (€79.5 million, $91.5 million), a figure that will deter all but the most ambitious bidders.
“This rating reflects his status as one of the most talented young defenders in the Premier League, and continued interest from Manchester United underlines his attractiveness on the market.”
