MU targets 2 midfielders; Tottenham spends 70 million for Rodrygo

Manchester United have included Conor Gallagher and Angelo Stiller in their January midfield reinforcements, while Tottenham Hotspur are ready to meet Real Madrid's £70m asking price for Rodrygo Goes. Meanwhile, other moves in the market have revealed plans for European clubs to reshuffle their squads ahead of the crunch mid-season period.

Manchester United focus on central midfielder

Manchester United have made signing a central midfielder a priority in January, with Conor Gallagher and German international Angelo Stiller among their top targets, according to Give Me Sport. The move reflects the Red Devils' need to refresh their midfield amid a busy schedule and increased demands for control of the game. (Source: Give Me Sport)

Along with Gallagher and Stiller, MU is also said to be monitoring Javi Guerra (Valencia), a name that is in the sights of a series of big clubs such as Atletico Madrid and AC Milan, promising to create a vibrant competition for signatures when the transfer window opens. (Source: Fichajes)

On the other hand, MU's attack plans are limited when the club cannot recall Rasmus Hojlund from Napoli in January. This information forces MU to calculate more carefully in the squad structure in the coming period. (Source: Star)

Another side note: Scott McTominay has reportedly urged Napoli to sign Kobbie Mainoo, who is currently out of favour at Old Trafford. While this is just a transfer rumour, it suggests that the reshuffle could continue in the United midfield. (Source: Sun)

Tottenham and the £70 million problem for Rodrygo

Tottenham Hotspur remain steadfast in their pursuit of Rodrygo Goes and are willing to pay Real Madrid's £70m asking price. If the deal goes through, Spurs will add pace and depth to their attack – key elements heading into the second half of the season. (Source: Fichajes)

Tactically, Rodrygo – if he arrives in London – would offer a versatile option for the attack, with his ability to move to open up space and link the midfield with the front line. For his large fee, Tottenham are betting on the immediate value of an attacker who can rotate effectively between multiple positions.

The pieces that could shape January

• Crystal Palace and Adam Wharton:Palace have opened contract talks with Adam Wharton after an impressive start to life, in a bid to keep the young talent amid growing interest from Europe. (Source: Give Me Sport)
• Wolves under Rob Edwards:The transfer strategy will prioritize young, promising talent playing in the domestic league; the club plans to back a new coach in January to build a long-term foundation. (Source: NBC)
• AC Milan and Niclas Fullkrug:AC Milan see the West Ham striker as a target for next term; a loan deal is being considered, which would suit all parties if approved. (Source: Tuttomercatoweb)
• Copenhagen and Emil Krafth:Copenhagen want to strengthen their defence with Newcastle United defender Emil Krafth; the English club are said to be willing to let the player go. (Source: Shields Gazette)

Overview: Needs, Values ​​and Timing

The common thread in the series is the urgency of January: United need to improve midfield to keep pace, while Tottenham want to bolster their firepower immediately. The £70m for Rodrygo sets a high threshold, but reflects the expectation of an immediate impact in the long run.

In the remaining groups, Palace tries to secure Wharton's future, Wolves renew with the principle of domestic youth, AC Milan looks for flexible options in attack, and Copenhagen fills the gap in defense. All are reasonable moves in terms of squad structure, depending on the ability to negotiate and the time to "act" when the market opens.

For MU in particular, the inability to recall Rasmus Hojlund makes the speed of the midfield front more important - both to protect the system and to support the output of the attack. As for Tottenham, if they get close to Rodrygo at the price Real Madrid are asking, it will be a clear message about their ambition to raise the quality ceiling in the middle of the season.

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