Man Utd eye alternative Premier League star amid Elliot Anderson transfer concern

Wolves star Joao Gomes is the subject of interest from Manchester United as the Red Devils prepare to battle Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City in the next summer transfer window. The Premier League giants are all reportedly interested in signing a new midfielder.

After a summer which saw them sign a brand new forward line for Ruben Amorim, United's attention is firmly prioritised on improving the centre of their midfield. The Red Devils spent big to bring in Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha.

They made enquiries with Brighton and Atletico Madrid over deals for Carlos Baleba and Conor Gallagher in the summer, but neither came to fruition. Already, United have been credited with interest in Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace and England and Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson.

According to Mail Online, United are also monitoring Wolves ace Gomes, who signed a five-year deal with the relegation-threatened side in April. United may need to be flexible, with their Premier League rivals having more money at their disposal.

United are trying to drive down their wage bill, which could also prove problematic with stiff competition.

READ MORE: Man Utd join Arsenal and Liverpool in transfer battle for 'next Toni Kroos'

READ MORE: Man Utd starlet could benefit from Benjamin Sesko injury after Ruben Amorim decision

The Red Devils would prefer to sign a midfielder before the World Cup. That is to avoid prices soaring off the back of a good tournament for their targets.

A figure like Anderson, who has broken into Thomas Tuchel's England lineup, could earn a spot to impress in the World Cup. That could see his price increase dramatically with more eyes on his performances.

United are not set to move too early, however. Ruben Amorim will rely on Manchester United's academy stars to help provide cover come the turn of the year.

United plan to utilise the full extent of their depth as the Africa Cup of Nations gets underway in December. The club will look to their academy before the transfer market to offset absences.

"Of course, we are going to have a problem there [with AFCON]," Amorim said. "But we already knew.

"Then you can prepare that in the summer, but then you have a lot of players in the summer who are not going to play because it's one game per week. So the management of that situation is going to be hard.

"But let's see when the window is open, if we can improve the team and try to prepare something that happened. Until then, we have to take the chance."