Bruno Fernandes has already identified Everton star James Garner as a player he is desperate to play alongside in Manchester United’s midfield.
United have made rebuilding their midfield a top priority this summer with Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton three top transfer targets.
None of those three are expected to be available next month but problems in the middle of the park have left United to consider bringing in an alternative option during the January transfer window.
Everton midfielder Garner has emerged as one option with the Daily Mail reporting United are targeting their former academy star in a cut-price deal.
The 24-year-old has just six months left on his current contract and while the Toffees are hoping to tie him down to a new deal, United view him as an affordable option this month before spending big money in the summer.
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Garner made his senior United debut aged 17 against Crystal Palace in February 2019, signing a contract extension weeks later.
He made just six more appearances for the club, joining Everton on a permanent deal worth an initial £10million after loan spells at Nottingham Forest.
Garner left Old Trafford in the summer of 2022 but just months before his departure, Fernandes named him as the academy youngster he was most excited about playing alongside.
In a Twitter Q&A, the Portugal international was asked: ‘Who’s the player from the academy that you really look forward to play with one day?’, with Garner his firm response.
United’s midfield will likely need major surgery at the end of the season with Casemiro entering the final six months of his contract at Old Trafford.
Fernandes’ own future has come under fresh scrutiny after he blasted the club following his decision to turn down a hugely lucrative move to Saudi Arabia during the summer.
Kobbie Mainoo meanwhile has grown disillusioned at the club having failed to start a single Premier League game this season.
Fernandes and Mainoo are currently sidelined with Amorim turning to Tyler and Jack Fletcher, sons of club legend Darren, to bolster his squad.
Lisandro Martinez was also deployed in a midfield role in the game against Aston Villa before Christmas.
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