This isn't exactly a red hot take, but Manchester United desperately need a defensive midfielder.
A number of midfielders have been linked with a move to Old Trafford such as Boubacar Kamara, Declan Rice and Aurelien Tchouameni, yet the MEN Sport understands that any potential signings are being monitored with a view to the club's summer transfer business as opposed to any mid-season moves.
Despite any incomings in January looking unlikely, with the Africa Cup of Nations currently being played in Cameroon, United have a great opportunity to run the rule over some potential future targets.
With that in mind, let's take a look at some of the players who could catch United's eye over the coming weeks.
Nigeria - Wilfred Ndidi
Wilfred Ndidi to United seems like a link as old as time, but then again you could probably say the same about United's dire need to strengthen their midfield so it makes sense.
A number of impressive campaigns with Leicester saw Ndidi make his way onto United's radar long before Ralf Rangnick arrived, but as one of Nigeria's key players in what has been a highly combative tournament so far, he may have caught Rangnick's eye.
Ndidi's Premier League experience means he could slot seamlessly into United's midfield and so his price tag would likely reflect that fact. However, given how essential it is for United to sign a midfield anchor next summer, they may be willing to spend big money.
Mali - Amadou Haidara and Diadie Samassekou
Amadou Haidara has been linked with United since the appointment of Rangnick, with the Mali international considered as one of the best options to shore up the midfield.
Rangnick brought Haidara to RB Leipzig from sister club RB Salzburg. The 23-year-old is already accustomed to the German's pressing style of play and so he too would likely fit in well at United.
His Mali teammate Diadie Samassekou has also been impressing in the Bundesliga of late, and if United needed a cut-price option they could consider a move for the Hoffenheim midfielder.
Ivory Coast - Franck Kessie and Ibrahim Sangare
Now to get this out of the way very quickly, Franck Kessie is not a defensive midfielder, but that's not to say his box-to-box style of play couldn't be a huge asset to United.
Kessie has shown for AC Milan that he has the defensive nous to be able to cut out attacks, but if United watch anyone in the Ivory Coast side it should be PSV Eindhoven's Ibrahim Sangare.
Sangare has been a vital part of the Dutch side's push for the Eredivisie title this season and is very nearly the complete midfielder. He's strong defensively and can pick out a pass, but he can also dribble with the ball if the chance presents itself.
Newcastle have been linked with the midfielder and if United are keen to start signing less high-profile players then Sangare would be a great purchase.
Any of the targets on this list would upgrade United's midfield and so they should be keeping a keen eye on the AFCON over the next few weeks.
Which player do you think Manchester United should keep an eye on during the AFCON? Follow our United On My Mind writer Casey Evans on Twitter and get involved in the discussion in the comment section below.
