Manchester United's priority in the transfer market this summer will be strengthening the midfield.

Casemiro is set to depart on a free transfer in June, whilst the chances of Manuel Ugarte leaving continue to grow amidst a lack of game time.

The expectation is that United will sign at least two new midfielders, potentially even three, as the club looks to add depth to the squad ahead of a return to European football.

Elliot Anderson is at the very top of United's list, but strong competition from Manchester City and Nottingham Forest's demands could complicate a potential transfer. United retain a strong interest in Brighton and Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba after already having attempted to sign him last summer.

Sandro Tonali is another player United have an interest in, but the finances that would be needed to complete that transfer seem to be a major stumbling block at the moment.

Aleksandar Pavlovic is set to stay at Bayern Munich despite interest from Manchester United and other elite European clubs, TeamTalk reports.

The report claims that United have been carrying out detailed checks on Pavlovic, while Chelsea and Manchester City have also been keeping close tabs on his development. Real Madrid and Barcelona have also made checks on the 21-year-old midfielder's situation.

Despite this, Pavlovic is said to have no interest in a move away from the Allianz Arena as he looks to become a long-term cornerstone in Vincent Kompany's midfield. 

TeamTalk also claim that, in addition to Pavlovic not wanting to move away, Bayern Munich themselves have no interest in entertaining offers for the Germany international.

With Pavlovic being ruled out, Baleba struggling for form, and a move for Tonali looking increasingly unlikely, it is of the utmost importance that United sign Anderson. He would cost a significant sum of money, but he is the best option on the market, and at only 23-years-old, he could be a prominent figure in United's midfield for the next decade.

With Casemiro set to leave, United need to sign someone who can replicate his progressive passing from deeper areas, and Anderson most certainly could. He is also a strong dueller, both on the ground and in the air. In addition to those qualities, he also offers creativity in the final third. 

Even if United do sign Anderson, the club will need to sign at least one, preferably two, new players to strengthen the squad in the middle of the park. There are players out there who would do this without costing a significant amount of money. 

With United set to compete in four competitions next summer, which is likely to include the Champions League, the manager needs a strong group of players with different profiles to choose from.