There's no surprise saying that Manchester United will be targeting midfielders in their highly anticipated upcoming summer transfer window. Despite Kobbie Mainoo signing a new deal last week, Man United are expected to lose two midfielders, at least, this summer.

Casemiro is leaving the Red Devils upon his contract expiring, and Manuel Ugarte has seemed out of favour from Micheal Carrick and has gained interest from sides in the Premier League. 

There is also need for United to increase their squad depth with the news of Champions League returning to Old Trafford for the first time in two years, putting added pressure on the squad.

Man United have the privilege of not needing to prioritise a forward this window, something that has been an issue before this season's arrivals of Bryan Mbuemo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, who have all had fine debut seasons.

The Manchester Evening News has reported that United are going to "double down" on their strategy of buying proven Premier League players, such as Mbuemo and Cunha. However, shifting their focus to their midfield department.

On their shortlist are Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest, Brighton's Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace, West Ham star Mateus Fernandes, Alex Scott of Bournemouth, and Joao Gomes, a former teammate of Matheus Cunha at Wolves.

The interesting exclusion here is Newcastle's star midfielder, Sandro Tonali, with it seeming like United may have dropped their interest in the Italian international, despite previous reliable reports putting him at the "top" of United's shortlist.

It may also come as a surprise that Bruno Guimaraes isn't included in the shortlist, with the two Newcastle midfielders expected to leave the club and the Magpies expected to miss out on European football this season.

Despite the fact that he looks likely to sign for the blue side of Manchester, Elliot Anderson would feel like the ideal replacement and his tenacity and aggression in the midfield could be just what United need.

If United are unable to get the Forest man, Carlos Baleba seems another good option and it has been reported that United already has personal terms agreed for the Brighton midfielder.

An interesting option on the shortlist that hasn't quite got the praise this season, or been as heavily linked as other options is Alex Scott, the Bournemouth midfielder has been on fine form and him being a homegrown player could make him a useful asset for United and their European squad registration.

Man United will need to buy at least two midfielders this summer, there is expectations that at least one will be bought from this Premier League based shortlist but United may look to explore options in Europe, with Ederson and Morten Hjumland also being options,