Manchester United have shortlisted seven central midfielders ahead of the January transfer window, reports talkSPORT.

United had looked into adding a new central midfielder over the summer, but failed to lure Carlos Baleba away from Brighton as part of their investment drive.

Baleba, who is with the Cameroon squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, is again being linked with a move to United, with the Seagulls star one of a number on the club’s radar.

Among them is Premier League trio Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Tyler Adams of Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth, respectively.

VfB Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller is another who is reportedly wanted by the Manchester giants, while former Premier League pair Ruben Neves and Conor Gallagher have also been mooted with a possible January switch to Old Trafford.

Bruno Fernandes injury forces January window rethink

The Manchester giants had been reluctant to dip into the January market for a new midfielder but injury to captain Bruno Fernandes in Sunday’s 2-1 loss at Aston Villa has forced Ruben Amorim’s side into a rethink.

Fernandes came off at the break with a suspected hamstring injury, with Amorim stating after the Villa Park defeat: “It is really strange. It’s a soft tissue, I think he’s going to lose some games, I don’t know for sure. Let’s see. I think it’s going to be a while. He is a guy who is always fit so he might recover quite well.”

Neves, who moved to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in 2023, is expected to secure a return to England in the New Year with the Portugal international wanted by a number of top-flight sides.

Gallagher emerges as top midfield target

However, a loan deal for Gallagher seems the most feasible at the midway stage of the season.

Gallagher departed Chelsea for Atletico Madrid 18 months’ ago, and despite a bright start to life in Madrid, the England international has made just four starts in Spain’s top tier this term.

United wanted to sign the 25-year-old over the summer but saw a loan move for the former Blues trainee rejected by Atletico.

Atletico value Gallagher at around £35m but United are unlikely to sanction a permanent move for the player in the New Year and instead assess their options in the off-season.

Fernandes absence may impact Mainoo exit

It also remains to be seen whether United will now sanction Kobbie Mainoo’s exit next month following Fernandes’ injury.

Mainoo has struggled for game time this season having fallen out of favour under Amorim, with all 11 league appearances coming from the bench.

The 20-year-old has been linked with a move to Napoli, though the Italian side may fail in their efforts to land the young midfielder.