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If there is one area Manchester United would like to focus on during the January transfer window, it is the midfield.

Casemiro has been the preferred defensive midfield partner for Bruno Fernandes, and while he is enjoying quite the resurgence in form, he has not lasted 90 minutes in any game this season.

Manuel Ugarte, signed as the Brazilian’s successor, has struggled ever since his arrival and has even been linked with an exit in January.

Rather surprisingly, Ruben Amorim does not seem to rate Kobbie Mainoo, who could be on his way out once the window opens.

Carlos Baleba of Brighton and Hove Albion remains a target, but the likes of Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson have overtaken the Cameroonian on United’s shortlist.

But all three will cost significant money, something INEOS might not be in a position to pay. Jobe Bellingham of Borussia Dortmund has emerged as a low-cost alternative.

He was a target for the Red Devils back when he was at Sunderland, but he opted to follow in his brother’s footsteps and chose to join Borussia Dortmund instead.

His transition to the Bundesliga has not been as smooth, with the 20-year-old managing...