Man Utd four-man transfer wishlist rated as Alexis Mac Allister linked | Football | Sport

Manchester United are reportedly considering a surprise move for Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister. However, the club are also said to be tracking three alternative midfield targets.

United’s midfield has been the subject of transfer speculation for quite some time. With Casemiro poised to leave at the end of this season, it appears inevitable that they will bring in at least one new face in the centre of the park. As revealed by the Mirror, United could attempt to lure Mac Allister away from rivals Liverpool. The Argentine would be regarded as untouchable by some, but he has struggled to match the standards of previous campaigns this term. Nevertheless, Mac Allister is hardly the sole name United have been associated with. Express Sport assesses the four mooted players in question.

Alexis Mac Allister

Mac Allister joined the Reds in 2023 and last season was unquestionably his best in a Liverpool shirt. He proved instrumental in Arne Slot’s Premier League-winning side and earned PFA Team of the Year recognition. Yet this campaign has told a rather different story. Liverpool have found it challenging to defend their title and Mac Allister’s role has evolved.

With the arrival of Florian Wirtz, Mac Allister has been relegated to a more supportive role and his performance has slightly waned. However, if United were to secure his services, it would be a significant coup.

Mac Allister fits perfectly into United’s current setup, operating as a deep-lying playmaker skilled at delivering line-breaking passes to wide players. The catch is that any player joining in the summer may not be under the guidance of current interim manager Michael Carrick.

United are reportedly considering making an offer for him and at 27, he might not command a hefty fee. But persuading Liverpool to let go of a crucial player to a Premier League rival, especially a bitter one, seems a Herculean task regardless of how well-suited Mac Allister might be.

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings

Elliot Anderson

Since departing Newcastle for Nottingham Forest, Elliot Anderson has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most coveted midfielders. Now a semi-regular starter for England and just 23, he has many years at the top ahead of him. The same report indicates that Anderson is on United’s radar and he would offer something quite distinct from Mac Allister.

Anderson’s strength lies in retaining possession. He tops the Premier League charts for total touches and ball recoveries this season, attributes United will require once Casemiro moves on. Add to that his versatility as an accomplished box-to-box midfielder who can also operate from a deep-lying No. 6 position.

Beyond all this, he qualifies as a homegrown talent. Satisfying UEFA’s quota should United secure European football is crucial and Anderson would assist with this. His estimated transfer valuation exceeding £100m could present a significant obstacle, however.

Adam Wharton

Another homegrown midfield option for United is Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. Similar to Anderson, some impressive displays have propelled him into England contention.

United have been associated with the 22-year-old for some time and the reasoning is clear. He would offer the ideal midfield equilibrium when Casemiro exits, with his excellent defensive positioning and league-leading interception statistics.

Wharton can orchestrate play from a deeper role as well, boasting impressive passing accuracy and a willingness to attempt ambitious line-breaking passes. His presence at the base of United’s midfield would also enable Kobbie Mainoo to continue flourishing in more advanced positions.

The sole minor concern regarding Wharton might be his physical stature, as he lacks the imposing presence of someone like Casemiro. Yet he is adaptable, meets homegrown criteria and ranks amongst the Premier League’s outstanding young prospects who would certainly fit the current United setup. Reports suggest he would command a fee between £70m and £80m.

Carlos Baleba

Brighton’s Carlos Baleba was on United’s radar last summer, but a transfer failed to come to fruition. Despite a less-than-stellar season, he reportedly remains firmly in United’s sights. In contrast to both Anderson and Wharton, Baleba is a more formidable presence in midfield.

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

His tendency to drive forward with the ball rather than opt for short passes may not mesh well with United’s current style of play. However, Baleba could potentially offer Mainoo the greatest degree of freedom among any prospective partners, even if his habit of losing possession or roaming contradicts Carrick’s preference for his defensive midfielder to maintain formation.

Following a season that has been somewhat underwhelming by his standards, it’s possible a bargain deal could be struck for Baleba. Despite seeming a tactical mismatch on paper, he would undoubtedly be a savvy signing. Recent speculation suggests a sum of £60m might be sufficient to secure his signature.