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Manchester United line up three midfielders but Liverpool could be rivals for Elliot Anderson - Paper Round
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Published 22/11/2025 at 08:59 GMT
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Manchester United have three players on their midfield shortlist: Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson, but Liverpool could provide stiff competition for the Nottingham Forest and England star. Elsewhere, Arsenal had considered a move for Benjamin Sesko before landing Viktor Gyokeres, and AZ Alkmaar teenager Kees Smit could be set for a high-profile move.
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United weigh up three midfielders
Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson are on Manchester United’s shortlist as they look to strengthen their midfield.
United are looking to persist with buying players who already have Premier League experience.
The Sun writes: "Manchester United have an incredible three-man shortlist of Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba to bolster their midfield.
"Ruben Amorim wants to continue with the strategy of targeting Premier League-proven stars - and central midfield is his next project.
"The club are now weighing up which headline midfield move is the best for Amorim and are tracking three eye-catching names.
"Nottingham Forest talisman Anderson has been a star of Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup qualifying campaign.
"And United are also tracking Wharton of Crystal Palace and went close to Brighton enforcer Baleba in the summer."
United face Anderson battle
While Anderson is on United’s shortlist, The Evening Standard reports that Liverpool are also keen on the Nottingham Forest midfielder.
Arne Slot’s men are looking to improve their fortunes after a difficult start to their Premier League title defence.
The paper states: "Manchester United and Liverpool look to be on a transfer collision course over England star Elliot Anderson.
"The 23-year-old midfielder has established a reputation as one of the best midfielders in the country during an impressive rise to prominence, despite Nottingham Forest’s struggles in the Premier League this season.
"However, The Red Devils are far from alone in eyeing Anderson as they plot a midfield overhaul after making significant changes to their attack over the summer, with speculation also continuing to surround the future of Kobbie Mainoo.
"Liverpool are also said to be interested in a player who could be valued at as much as £100 million as they seek their own upgrades in the middle of the pitch after making a dreadful start to their title defence."
Arsenal owner wanted Sesko
The Mirror claims that Arsenal owner Josh Kroenke had favoured the signing of Benjamin Sesko last summer.
However, sporting director Andrea Berta was able to pursue his own targets, and instead signed Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP.
The paper explains: "Arsenal owner Josh Kroenke wanted to sign Manchester United star Benjamin Sesko instead of Viktor Gyokeres this summer. The Gunners bolstered their attacking ranks with the signing of the Swedish forward back in July.
"Gyokeres might never have become an Arsenal player at all had Kroenke had his way however.
"The Arsenal owner was not involved in the process of appointing sporting director Andrea Berta and thus had his own transfer targets in mind."
Smit could quit AZ
AZ Alkmaar’s commitment to bringing through youth players could see them sell one of their young stars.
Midfielder Kees Smit, 19, has established his talent with the Dutch club, and The Athletic expects offers to come in soon.
The website reports: "Dutch club AZ are built on youth. Five academy graduates started their most recent game, and that rawness perhaps showed in a punishing 5-1 loss at home to PSV.
"Among this crop of young talents, one player stands out: 19-year-old central midfielder Kees Smit, who is now attracting admiring glances from clubs across Europe.
"In Smit, it looks like they have a midfielder with the right blend of all those attributes; it is little wonder Europe’s top clubs are already taking notice."
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