Ralf Rangnick is reportedly keen to add a defensive midfielder to the Manchester United ranks, with attention quickly turning to who could arrive at Old Trafford in the January transfer window.
Rangnick was appointed United interim manager in late November and he is understood to have a war chest of £100million to use next month.
The German coach has used his trademark 4-2-2-2 formation to good effect so far, winning back-to-back Premier League games prior to United's coronavirus outbreak in mid-December.
However, he has identified the midfield pivot as an area in need of bolstering due to a lack of strength and depth.
Fred and Scott McTominay started the 1-0 victories over Crystal Palace and Norwich, but an ageing Nemanja Matic combined with Paul Pogba and Donny van de Beek's preferences to play higher up mean options at No.6 are few and far between.
To address this, here are five players United could sign in January.
Join the debate! Which defensive midfielder should United sign? Have your say in the comments here.
Amadou Haidara
Age: 23
Goals/assists this season: 3/0
Under contract until: 2025
The RB Leipzig star is arguably the obvious player for United to target due to his relationship with Rangnick, who served as sporting director of the Red Bull stable of clubs for eight years.
Haidara joined Red Bull Salzburg in July 2016 and made the step up to Leipzig one-and-a-half years later, going on to make 101 appearances for the rising Bundesliga force.
Rangnick's relationship with the player and his club could aid United in negotiations, but they will also need to take into account the fact Haidara he will represent Mali at the Africa Cup of Nations in January.
Read more: How Haidara's 2019 comments about Man Utd perfectly play into Rangnick's hands
Jude Bellingham
Age: 18
Goals/assists this season: 3/9
Under contract until: 2025
As European wonderkids go, the Borussia Dortmund sensation is right up there with the most exciting.
Bellingham has developed into a brilliant, well-rounded operator since moving to Germany from Birmingham City in July 2020, and he is frequently linked with a return to his homeland to join United or Liverpool.
It will take a huge bid to force Dortmund to part ways with the England international, but Rangnick is already understood to have sounded him out as a potential target.
Read more: Man Utd's failed Jude Bellingham pursuit may not have been wasted after all
Kalvin Phillips
Age: 26
Goals/assists this season: 1/1
Under contract until: 2024
Five of Leeds' seven Premier League defeats this season have come without Phillips in the starting XI, showing just how important he is for Marcelo Bielsa's side.
He has also proven himself at international level as a key member of the England line-up which reached the final of Euro 2020 this summer.
Phillips' impressive rise has earned him many admirers and Rangnick may view him as a solid option who could provide the foundations for United's star-studded attack to shine.
Read more: Kalvin Phillips' Leeds teammate admits midfielder's family "hate" Man Utd
Aurelien Tchouameni
Age: 21
Goals/assists this season: 2/0
Under contract until: 2024
Another of Europe's brightest midfield talents, Monaco's Tchouameni could be on the move before long having established himself in the senior France squad.
The Red Devils decided not to pursue the youngster last summer but may return in the January window with renewed interest if Rangnick deems him a good fit.
Tchouameni already has a strong relationship with Pogba and partnered him in the centre of the park as France defeated Spain in October's Nations League final.
Read more: Tchouameni subject of dressing room transfer joke amid Man Utd interest
Declan Rice
Age: 22
Goals/assists this season: 3/3
Under contract until: 2024 with the option for another year
United have long-standing interest in the West Ham vice-captain, who continues to go from strength to strength with each passing term at the London Stadium.
Rice helped the Irons finish in the Europa League spots last season and is aiming to go one better this time round by securing Champions League qualification.
Of any player on this list, the former Chelsea academy star could have the highest price tag, with David Moyes repeatedly stressing it would take an astronomical bid to force West Ham to sell up.
