Man Utd open talks to sign £34m midfielder

Even though the transfer window only opened on Monday morning, it’s safe to say everyone around the country knows what Manchester United’s biggest priority is this summer.

After Casemiro’s departure from Old Trafford, the need for a new midfielder has increased tenfold, with Champions League qualification making the Red Devils a more attractive proposition.

Ederson has already agreed a move to join Michael Carrick’s side ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign, after a £40m fee was agreed with Italian side, Atalanta.

However, despite the 26-year-old’s pending switch to Manchester, INEOS still appear to be hunting far and wide to secure added midfield reinforcements at present.

Big money is set to be splashed during the months ahead, but it still remains to be seen the amount the Red Devils will spend to land their main transfer targets.

Man Utd enter talks to sign leading European star

Over the last few months, Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson has been consistently touted as one of United’s main transfer targets for the ongoing window.

The 23-year-old is almost certain to depart the City Ground before the market closes, but a deal could prove to be somewhat out of Carrick’s current price range.

Forest have already rejected a £106m offer from rivals Manchester City for the Englishman, with the Red Devils said to be targeting other options as a result.

One of the other midfielders being considered by INEOS and Carrick at present is Anderlecht star Nathan De Cat, with the Belgian one of the continent’s most in-demand talents.

According to TEAMtalk, United have entered talks with the 17-year-old’s representatives over the possibility of a summer switch to join Carrick’s squad.

The report states that Tottenham Hotspur are just one other club to reach out and ask for more details, which could see United battle with another English side for a midfielder’s signature.

A fee in the region of £34m is not expected to be enough to secure the teenager, who has already racked up 53 senior appearances despite his tender age.

Why De Cat would be a bigger talent than Anderson for United

As previously mentioned, United’s interest in Anderson is no secret, with the midfielder a player who would massively improve the options at Carrick’s disposal.

He played 90 minutes during Wednesday’s World Cup triumph over Croatia – even producing numerous incredible figures which highlight his all-round quality.

The 23-year-old made two tackles and four interceptions, often being the player to break up the opposition’s attack for Thomas Tuchel’s side in the USA.

With the ball at his feet, Anderson also caught the eye, subsequently completing 85% of the passes he attempted – whilst even laying on the assist for Jude Bellingham’s second-half strike.

However, a move for De Cat could hand United a bigger talent in the years ahead, with the 17-year-old already a player who’s demonstrated quality way beyond his tender years.

The Belgian has cemented his place at the heart of the Anderlecht squad in recent months – an unthinkable feat for a player of his age and lack of experience.

It certainly hasn’t stopped him from catching the eye over recent times, with De Cat completing 49% of the dribbles he’s attempted this term – a tally higher than Anderson’s.

The aforementioned tally showcases his ability to progress the play and transfer the ball into attacking areas – often putting the finishing touches onto his runs.

The youngster managed to create 0.9 chances per 90 last season, whilst making 4.3 passes into the final third per 90 – leading to analyst Bence Bocsak labelling him as “one of the best young midfielders in Europe.”

De Cat also managed to make 2.1 tackles per 90 in the Belgian top-division throughout 2025/26 – with all of his tallies making him the perfect box-to-box option for Carrick’s side.

There’s no denying Anderson is currently a better player than the Anderlecht star, but the Belgian is six years younger than the Englishman and already ahead of where he was during his own career and could well surpass him in the years to come if he continues to develop at the rate he already is.

£34m could be seen as an expensive deal for a 17-year-old, but it would be an excellent investment in a youngster who’s already thrived during the early days of his career.

De Cat is undoubtedly on the right path to stardom, but it’s crucial he makes the right move to aid his development – something which United could certainly offer this window.