Manchester United want all-round 'midfield gem' to replace failed summer signings: report

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag looks on during the UEFA Champions League match between F.C. Copenhagen and Manchester United at Parken Stadium on November 08, 2023 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
(Image credit: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Manchester United are looking to rectify their mistakes in the summer transfer market by signing a new midfielder in January.

Both Sofyan Amrabat and Mason Mount arrived in the summer, the former on loan while the latter cost £60m. Neither has impressed with Manchester United, though, leaving Erik ten Hag to call upon other squad members throughout the course of the campaign.

Casemiro has also been out injured with Christian Eriksen, leaving Manchester United short of midfield options. That could all change in January, though, with their latest target a promising all-rounder.

Mason Mount in action for Manchester United in pre-season in July 2023.

Mount has struggled so far at United (Image credit: Getty Images)

According to Spanish outlet Todofichajes, Manchester United are interested in signing Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra in the upcoming January transfer window, who is reportedly available for £35m.

After making his first team debut in 2022, Guerra has now cemented himself in the Valencia side, becoming an important member of the young La Liga team. With 18 appearances in all competitions so far this term, the Spaniard has scored three times and made one assist. 

Described as a "midfield gem", Guerra is an all-rounder in the centre of the pitch. Utilised as both a defensive midfielder and box-to-box playmaker, the 20-year-old could slot seamlessly into the Manchester United midfield. 

Manchester United target Javi Guerra of Valencia CF controls the ball during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Getafe CF and Valencia CF at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on December 08, 2023 in Getafe, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

Guerra has starred for Valencia this term (Image credit: Getty Images)

With Kobbie Mainoo, Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes seemingly the preferred midfield three for Erik ten Hag, there's potential that Guerra would walk straight into the first team at Old Trafford. His athleticism and technical ability are both well-suited to the Premier League. 

Everton are also reportedly interested in Guerra, though, meaning Manchester United face competition for his signature. Financial issues with the Toffees could rule them out of the running, however.

Guerra's contract with Valencia expires in June 2027, and he reportedly has an £87m release clause.

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Manchester United have been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid and France star Antoine Griezmann. Meanwhile, a former Barcelona defender could potentially be on his way to Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford could also be set to join him, having agreed personal terms with Barcelona. Almost half a year after leaving Manchester United as a free agent, David de Gea could be close to sealing a move to a new club

Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag has defended his training methods as the injuries pile up – with Mason Mount the latest player set for a spell on the sidelines.

Ryan Dabbs
Staff writer

Ryan is a staff writer for FourFourTwo, joining the team full-time in October 2022. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across FourFourTwo, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before eventually earning himself a position with FourFourTwo permanently. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer while a Trainee News Writer at Future.