'Transfer approach will differ' next season

[BBC]

Central midfield is the priority area to strengthen at Manchester United. Nottingham Forest's Elliott Anderson is the number one target.

But the feeling at Old Trafford is the approach this summer will differ significantly from what went on under previous regimes in two aspects.

Firstly, it has been stressed, the club will not overpay. If the price for Anderson, who is also coveted by Manchester City amongst others, is £120m, United won't pursue. Every player's value has a cap, no matter how well regarded they are.

Secondly, they intend to avoid getting drawn into protracted negotiations before switching after the season has started, which is exactly how Casemiro ended up at Old Trafford in 2022 after Erik ten Hag's lengthy pursuit of Frenkie de Jong ended in failure.

It is fairly obvious but still being reinforced that United's recruitment team have multiple options. If Anderson is a no, the club's hierarchy feel there will be alternatives who can improve what they already have.

• Read more from Simon on Man Utd's summer

The signings of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha last summer are used as a template and evidence quality players can be attracted.