Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is desperate to sign a midfielder when the transfer window reopens in January.
The Red Devils manager prioritised the signing of a new central midfielder in the summer but ultimately missed out on top targets including Newcastle's Sean Longstaff and Sporting Lisbon's Bruno Fernandes.
Solskjaer has been keen to give star man Paul Pogba, who was himself linked with a summer move to Real Madrid , more support in the middle of the park.
And, having seen his team endure a stuttering start to the new campaign, the Norwegian has reportedly met with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward this month to discuss prospective targets for next year.
The Manchester Evening News has claimed that United chiefs could make funds available for mid-season reinforcements, having recouped a large part of their summer spending spree.
Despite forking out on £80m defender Harry Maguire, £50m right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka and £18m winger Daniel James, United sold Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan for £73m.
That could well allow Solskjaer to re-invest in his squad and he has made it clear to the United board that they must prioritise the signing of a new midfielder.
Among the names mentioned are Longstaff, who was denied a summer move to Old Trafford after Newcastle demanded £50m for the player.
United remain interested in the Toon academy graduate and are also keeping a close eye on West Ham star Declan Rice, who has recently been on international duty with England.
After the departures of experienced duo Marouane Fellaini - who left in January - and Ander Herrera, now playing for Paris Saint-Germain, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is light in midfield.
.png?w=600)
