“Top priority”: PL club issue hands-off warning as United ramp up January pursuit – report

Manchester United are aware that landing any of their top midfield targets is virtually impossible in the middle of the season. Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, and Elliot Anderson have been identified by Ruben Amorim as the perfect fit for his needs, but a summer move looks more likely at this stage. This has meant the Red Devils have been forced to scour the market for alternatives. The club have come up with an alternate list of targets. Intermediaries have been trying to push Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka towards Old Trafford, but his age and lack of Premier League experience mean a move remains unlikely. James Garner emerges as alternate option Ruben Neves, currently plying his trade in Saudi Arabia, and Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher have emerged as potential options. The Portugal international’s wage demands might prove a major stumbling block, while the Spanish side are refusing a loan exit, and are adamant on a €30 million permanent exit. Following their summer splurge, the 20-time English league champions are not in a position to spend big, which explains Antoine Semenyo choosing Manchester City. A low-cost option that has surprisingly emerged in recent weeks is re-signing James Garner, whose contract ends next summer, from Everton. Moyes issues strict hands-off warning The 24-year-old Carrington graduate, sold by Erik ten Hag, has started to impress under David Moyes and Teamtalk have revealed that the Toffees remain confident of keeping him at the Hill Dickinson stadium. CompetitionAppsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Premier League18124–1,614′ EFL Cup2––1–180′ Total20125–1,794′ 25/26 season stats via Transfermarkt They have already offered the former England U21 international a new contract, but there remains a gap between both parties with regards to the salary package. But the expectation remains that those issues will be ironed out with former United boss Moyes desperate to keep James Garner at the club. “Another is James Garner and I think that is a market opportunity in the sense that his contract is winding down. Everton desperate to hold on to James Garner “Everton have made keeping hold of Garner a top priority. He is viewed internally as a cornerstone of the club’s ambitious project as they look to break back into European competitions in the future. “Everton have officially opened contract extension talks with Garner and his representatives. “It is understood that there has been a gap between Garner’s salary demands and what the Toffees are willing to pay, but the expectation is that those issues will be ironed out.” United will have to focus their search elsewhere as things stand. Hopefully, Amorim can find a way to bring Kobbie Mainoo back to the fold to solve the club’s midfield woes for now. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25