Manchester United’s plans to sign a Premier League star in January have been scuppered, with the player sidelined with injury for the next few months.
The Red Devils could be in the top-four at Christmas if they beat Aston Villa on Sunday and are hopeful of adding to their squad next month to boost their chances of qualifying for the Champions League.
On Ruben Amorim’s shopping list is a new defensive midfielder who can can in time replace the aging Casemiro, with Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo not in favour.
A number of high-profile names have been linked with Old Trafford, most notably Carlos Baleba, but Brighton’s £100million asking price means that transfer is off for now.
Cheaper alternatives have emerged in the past week, including former Wolves captain Ruben Neves and Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams.
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Reports claimed that United are big admirers of the latter and were plotting a January move for 26-year-old who has been enjoying a fine season on the south coast.
However, Adams hobbled off the pitch just five minutes into the match between United and Bournemouth last Monday that ended 4-4.
And the transfer plans are now on hold, as it has been confirmed that the American has torn his MCL and now faces a lengthy period on the sidelines.
‘Tyler is injured and has torn his MCL, so he will definitely be out for some time,’ Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola said in his press conference ahead of Saturday’s match against Burnley.
‘From our previous experience with MCL injuries, it is normally around two or three months. If you are optimistic, it’s going to be two. If you are pessimistic, it’s going to be three. Something in between, probably.
‘It’s a big blow because he is an important player for us. Straight away, when you see the mechanism of the injury and the action itself, we felt it could be something serious.
‘Tyler is very valuable for us and very unique in what he does. We do have options – Alex [Scott] has been playing there and Lewis Cook is in his natural position there – but it’s true that Tyler is difficult to replace.’
Adams is valued at around £40m and notably scored a goal of the season contender in November, finding the back of the net from the halfway line against Sunderland.
His absence will hurt Iraola’s side and is a major blow to the USA in the run up to their co-hosting next summer’s World Cup.
It remains to be seen how this injury will affect both United and Bournemouth in the transfer window, with the Red Devils also seriously considering a move for Cherries winger Antoine Semenyo.
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