John Murtough has identified three options to bolster the Manchester United midfield as part of a long-term transfer scheme, according to reports.
The Old Trafford football director is keen to strengthen in this department with uncertainty surrounding Paul Pogba's future and Nemanja Matic turning 34 this year.
Interim manager Ralf Rangnick shares Murtough's concerns over United's midfield options despite the partnership of Scott McTominay and Fred showing signs of promise in recent fixtures.
The duo have contributed going forward but there are lingering doubts over their ability to provide the defence with ample support.
Murtough has drawn up a three-player shortlist to address these concerns including England internationals Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, both of whom have been linked with a big-money move to the Premier League giants in the past.
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That is according to The Athletic , who claim United have made Bellingham, 18, their priority target ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Borussia Dortmund wonderkid is enjoying another brilliant season in Germany with four goals and 10 assists in 26 appearances.
News of the Red Devils ramping up their pursuit of Bellingham will come as a blow to arch-rivals Liverpool, who also covet the youngster.
The player infamously turned down a move to United in the summer of 2020 - despite meeting Sir Alex Ferguson at the club's Carrington base - and instead joined Dortmund from Birmingham City in a £20million transfer.
Bellingham is under contract with Dortmund until 2025, so it will take a mammoth bid to force the Bundesliga giants to sell one of their greatest talents.
United will also need to stump up a sizeable offer to sign long-term target Rice, 23, as West Ham boss David Moyes has previously declared his vice-captain is worth over £100million.
The former Chelsea academy star has added a new attacking dimension to his game this season with three goals and four assists to his name, but his primary strength remains his impeccable defensive work to shield the backline.
This makes Rice an attractive prospect for United, but, as is the case with Bellingham, they are unlikely to formalise their interest until the summer.
One target who could arrive in the January window is RB Leipzig stalwart Amadou Haidara, a player Rangnick knows well from his time with the Red Bull stable of clubs.
The Athletic adds the German would be keen to sign the Mali international this month even though he is competing at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Borussia Monchengladbach's Denis Zakaria, 25, has slipped down the list.
A price tag of £33million has been touted for Haidara, 23, but United will need to act quickly to pull off the signing before the window slams shut.
