Confirmed: Man Utd add €114m midfielder to transfer shortlist

Manchester United have added Real Madrid star Federico Valverde to their transfer shortlist as they look to sign a new central midfielder next year.

The Uruguay international has been tentatively linked with a Bernabeu exit in recent weeks and Man Utd have been named as one of the most likely suitors to secure his signature.

Several outlets have revealed that Ruben Amorim’s side are chasing a deal for the 27-year-old and The Mirror have now confirmed that Valverde is wanted by Man Utd.

It’s reported that Amorim is a huge fan of the Real Madrid star and he is eager to finalise a deal to bring the midfielder to Old Trafford in 2026 as he looks to significantly strengthen his first-team squad.

Valverde’s future at Real Madrid is in major doubt following a bust-up with Xabi Alonso, as per The Mirror, and an exit is therefore on the cards amid interest from across Europe.

His current contract with Los Blancos isn’t due to expire until 2029, but he is now considering a departure after spending the last nine years at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid have set their asking price for Valverde at €114 million (£100m), but it’s understood that Man Utd are instead hoping to pay €80m and this could block a proposed transfer if the Red Devils are unwilling to increase their valuation of the Uruguayan.

Man Utd target new midfielder

Valverde has become the latest midfielder to be added to Man Utd’s transfer wishlist, with the Red Devils widely expected to bolster their options in the middle of the park in 2026.

Premier League trio Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson are also wanted by Amorim’s side, while former Wolverhampton Wanderers star Ruben Neves has been linked with a move to Old Trafford too.

Casemiro is set to depart the club upon the expiration of his current contract next summer and Kobbie Mainoo could leave the Red Devils after falling out of favour under Amorim.

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