Manchester United are reportedly plotting a bid to sign Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams in January.
The Old Trafford giants prioritised overhauling their misfiring attack ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko arriving through the doors for a combined fee of around £200million.
Senne Lammens was brought in to replace Andre Onana in goal on transfer deadline day, while United bosses also set their sights on a possible deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
But the Seagulls made it clear it would require an offer in excess of £100million to prise Baleba away from the Amex Stadium and the Red Devils were forced to drop their pursuit.
Ruben Amorim is still desperate for a No.6 to fit his 3-4-2-1 system, though, and Baleba remains on United’s shortlist of potential options to bolster the squad for the second half of the season.
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According to Daily Mail Sport, United’s hierarchy are also admirers of Bournemouth star Adams, who is enjoying an eye-catching campaign at the heart of Andoni Iraola’s midfield.
The Red Devils are said to be targeting the 26-year-old United States international, formerly of RB Leipzig and Leeds, for a ‘surprise’ transfer next month.
Valued at around £40million, Adams is viewed as a significantly cheaper alternative to United’s other targets, namely Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Baleba.
Moises Caicedo is the only player in the Premier League to make more interceptions than Adams this term. He is also seventh on the list for most successful tackles in the English top flight after 15 games.
Two goals in Bournemouth’s last five games – including a 47-yard wonder strike against Sunderland – show that Adams is a more than capable operator from an attacking perspective, too.
Adams’ current contract at the Vitality Stadium runs through to June 2028.
This evening, Adams will have the perfect opportunity to impress his potential employers when he takes to the field for Bournemouth’s Premier League clash with United.
The Cherries have picked up just two points in their last six top-flight matches and will be looking to cause an upset against United, who are themselves under pressure after a rocky patch.
Looking ahead to the contest, Adams said: ‘It’s just a special occasion.
‘This is what you grow up watching, whether you’re a fan or not. A fan of Manchester United walking into Old Trafford will change your perspective on everything.
‘I played against Manchester United at Old Trafford during Covid with RB Leipzig.
‘That was the first time I walked into Old Trafford and I was like, my dream is really to play in the Premier League because this is what it’s about right here.
‘Now being able to go back and play there multiple times and have good results, especially makes it a little bit better.
‘So yeah, I always get excited to play against United.’
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