Manchester United want to make four transfers at the end of the season as part of an ambitious summer strategy.
The Red Devils have endured a difficult season so far, sitting in fourth in the Premier League - 19 points behind leaders and champions Manchester City.
United's position looks far from certain either, as both Arsenal and Tottenham sit two points behind them with games in hand.
Ralf Rangnick's team have leaked goals throughout the season, conceding 30 in the Premier League - more than bottom side Burnley.
It's believed they have identified midfield as their "biggest problem" and will try to rectify that department in the summer.
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United still have seven days to sign a midfielder before the January transfer window closes but that remains unlikely due to their huge squad of 29 players.
Several stars are expected to leave Old Trafford on free transfers in June, including Edinson Cavani, Jesse Lingard, Paul Pogba and Juan Mata.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the club's hierarchy are finalising their midfield shortlist and it's believed West Ham ace Declan Rice will be on it.
The 23-year-old was part of the England squad that reached the final of Euro 2020 and is rated at £100million. Other clubs are thought to be monitoring his progress.
Rice will be reluctant to leave West Ham in January, as the Hammers are still competing for a top-four finish and Europa League glory.
"If you wanted to spend a fortune on a midfield player, go and get Declan Rice," said United legend Paul Parker earlier this month.
"Declan is the best central midfielder in the country... he's one of those players who wants to say, 'Please don't label me.'
"Don't label me as a defensive midfield player. Don't label me as an attacking midfielder as I want to be all over the park trying to control everything."
United are also believed to be interested in signing a striker, defender and goalkeeper in the summer.
Rangnick has reportedly spoken to Erling Haaland's father - former Leeds and Man City star Alf-Inge, about the possibility of signing the Borussia Dortmund striker.
United's chances of landing Haaland, 21, remain slim, however, with several top European clubs chasing his signature.
In terms of the defence, both Eric Bailly and Phil Jones could be sold in the summer to make room for fresh talent.
Right-back is believed to be a concern for the Red Devils, who were close to signing Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid last summer.
Trippier, who recently joined Newcastle, could still be a realistic option if the Toon suffer relegation to the Championship this season.
But Brighton's Tariq Lamptey is believed to be United's preferred choice after a string of impressive performances from the 21-year-old.
And if Dean Henderson is allowed to leave Old Trafford, the Red Devils will sign another back-up goalkeeper to challenge David de Gea and Tom Heaton.
Fellow stopper Lee Grant is out of contract in the summer and is unlikely to extend his existing deal.
Although Rangnick wants him to stay, Henderson is pushing for a January move after making just two appearances in all competitions this season.
The biggest problem on United's agenda, however, is finding a permanent successor to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Interim manager Rangnick will start a two-year consultancy gig in the summer and it's believed they will name their next boss before the end of the season.
