United lining up sensational swoop for PL midfield talisman, one major hurdle stands in way of sealing deal – report

Manchester United have reportedly made a major decision regarding Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White ahead of the summer transfer window. Midfield hunt Having spent the bulk of last summer’s budget on bolstering the attacking department, United are expected to prioritise other areas of the pitch, with midfield being the top item on the agenda. Casemiro is set to leave United at the end of the season upon the expiry of his contract, while there is also uncertainty over the futures of Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes. Ugarte has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford since joining the club from Paris Saint-Germain and it seems patience with him is wearing thin. Meanwhile, Fernandes is eager to compete for football’s most prestigious honours while at the peak of his career, leading to speculation that he may consider his options when the window commences. United continue to be linked with a host of midfielders including Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), Carlos Baleba (Brighton and Hove Albion) and Sandro Tonali (Newcastle). There have been suggestions that the Red Devils could look to make more than one addition in the middle of the park. Now, the Daily Mail report that United have stormed into the race for Gibbs-White. Huge Gibbs-White update The newspaper reveals that United have joined the race for Gibbs-White, who is attracting plenty of interest as Forest flirt with the prospect of relegation from the Premier League. However, United are at a disadvantage in the race for both Gibbs-White and Anderson, and the Daily Mail have explained why. “Confidential understands United’s new pay scale may hinder their efforts to persuade either player to turn down bigger offers from other clubs and move to Old Trafford in the summer.” “United have been trying to drive down their wage bill, but it could leave them at a severe disadvantage in the chase for Gibbs-White and Anderson – even more so with Manchester City understood to be tracking both Forest players as well.” “Earning in excess of £100m by qualifying for the Champions League would have a big impact on United’s ability to offer big money for transfer targets in the summer, but the club are still committed to moving high earners off the books.” It’s understood that Gibbs-White has a release clause, which was inserted in the contract he signed last year after Tottenham Hotspur failed with a bid to snap him up. Gibbs-White currently earns around £150,000-a-week, which is similar to what the club pays last summer’s signings Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. City, who would not think twice about their wage structure, are expected to be among the favourites for Gibbs-White and Anderson. Feature image Clive Brunskill via Getty Images 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 Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!