Man United's got their eyes on a top midfield prospect, but they'll have to fight off other teams to get him. Word is, they've already got a deal lined up for a Serie A player.

The Red Devils are likely to focus a lot on the midfield in 2026, especially since there might be some players leaving.

Because of that, Man Utd might jump into the market in January if any of their main targets become available, whether they're playing in England or somewhere else.

Man Utd Wants Dutch Star

On the midfield front, United is supposedly really interested in Kees Smit from AZ Alkmaar. But if they try to get the 19-year-old, they'll face some tough competition.

Smit's been playing great for AZ this season, with a couple of goals and five assists in 27 games.

There are a ton of rumours about where he might end up, with Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool all said to be after him.

But, according to The Athletic, Man Utd is also in the mix, even though AZ doesn't want to sell him in the middle of the season. Still, he could leave at the end of the season if someone offers around £52m (€59.6m / $70m).

Smit came up through AZ's youth system and has played 58 games for them, scoring four goals and getting seven assists.

He's also played four times for the Netherlands Under-21 team and is trying to get his first senior cap.

Smit also fits what Man United is looking for in new players—young, talented guys.

€65m Midfielder 'Coming to Man Utd'

Man United might switch gears and go after Roma's Manu Kone to add a new midfielder. A new report backs up what an Italian journalist said before.

Apparently, Kone's name came up when United was talking about selling Joshua Zirkzee to Roma.

Reporter Francesca Teodori said that she's been told by several people that Kone will leave Roma in June and sign with Man United.

She isn't sure if it has something to do with the Zirkzee deal. He might have been added as a counterpart.

Regardless, Kone really wants that to happen—joining United in June.”

CaughtOffside added even more, with United holding interest in the Frenchman, who is valued at around €60-65 million. He could be a perfect fit, being pursued as an alternative to the likes of Conor Gallagher, Ruben Neves, Elliot Anderson, and Carlos Baleba.

No Way Bellingham Is Leaving for Man Utd

People at Real Madrid are laughing off the idea that Jude Bellingham might leave. Some reports in Spain said Man Utd was ready to spend crazy money to sign him.

Around Christmas, there were wild rumours that the Red Devils were going to make a huge offer of €200m (£174m, $235m) to bring Bellingham to Old Trafford.

However, after talking to people at Real and those close to the player, they said those reports were totally false and laughed them off.

Someone confirmed that Bellingham will not be leaving Real Madrid anytime soon.

He is happy at the club; the club is happy with him. Frankly, it is laughable for anyone to suggest that he could be leaving in 2026.”

Also, Conor Gallagher is set to move away from the club after speaking with Diego Simeone, and Man Utd is one of three teams in the Premier League interested.

Man Utd might get an offer to sell Manuel Ugarte, with Fabrizio Romano saying his replacement could cost around £100m.

Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho has been told he won't play for United again, even though he's getting some praise while on loan at Aston Villa.

Ruben Amorim joked that Bruno Fernandes might be after his job. He said that even when Fernandes is injured, Man United's captain stays a true leader.

Fernandes wasn't in the 1-0 win against Newcastle because of a hamstring issue. He'll also miss the Wolves game.

Amorim said that Fernandes shows how dedicated he is by watching his teammates train and constantly talking to them.

He said, Even after treatment, he watches training. He's always there. I don't know if he wants my job, but he's a leader.

“He's always talking; that's why he's the captain. He has some bad habits, like how he waves his arms, but he does a lot of good things and is always into the game.”

“Every recovery, he watches the other guys training that day. There are a lot of things you guys don't see that he does. He's a great leader all the time.”

Before getting hurt in the recent loss to Aston Villa, Fernandes had only missed two games due to injury during his time at United. Although he is eager to recover quickly, Amorim insists he won't be back this week.

“No way is he going to play against Wolves,” he said with a smile. You can write that down.”

United will still be short on players for the Wolves game. Amorim is waiting to see if Mason Mount, who was subbed at halftime as a precaution, will be out.

Defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are still out. Amorim added, “I don't know about Mase for that game.

“I don’t think Kobbie Mainoo is ready. Bruno is not going to be ready either. I don’t think Matt and Harry are going to be ready. So, I guess we aren't getting more players back.

Amorim is not sure if any injured players will be back for Sunday’s trip to Leeds. Bruno was already saying he needs to train, but we don't know.

“Kobbie Mainoo is going to start on the pitch too, so we will see. Matthijs is having a little trouble. Harry is the same way. I don’t think these guys will be back for this game or the next one.