United planning to bid initial £80m for dream signing, also willing to use Sancho to agree deal – report

Manchester United are keen to hand an elite midfielder to Ruben Amorim before the end of the transfer window.

United have transformed the side’s attack, having added Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko to their ranks.

Now, Ineos are trying to sign a defensive-minded midfielder despite concerns over their transfer budget. Their business has allegedly left their Premier League rivals surprised.

Carlos Baleba is their preferred target for midfield, as the Cameroonian sensation has been “identified as best fitting the profile they want.” 

Manchester United open to offering Sancho to Brighton

According to The Independent, United are “actively trying to do a deal” for the Brighton & Hove Albion talent.

Brighton are known to be tough sellers. They are understood to want around £120 million for Baleba, who moved to the Amex from Lille in 2023 after Moises Caicedo was sold to Chelsea in a record-breaking deal.

It is claimed United are “currently figuring out how to construct a payment package” for Baleba “with one consideration to offer an initial £80m with the rest made up of add-ons.”

Further, United would be willing to “send a player such as Jadon Sancho the other way.” However, the Seagulls are not expected to accept such a proposal. 

Manchester United identify Baleba’s alternative

United are also interested in Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.

The England international is seen as United’s “preferred alternative” to Baleba. Interestingly, it is added that the Red Devils “hold a long-term interest to pair the two together.”

However, it is underlined that a pursuit of Wharton may be more difficult, as Palace are unwilling to consider his sale this summer. They could lose Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze ahead of the new campaign.

Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming United are interested in Guehi. However, Liverpool appear to be in the driving seat for the central defender’s signature. 

United, meanwhile, are focusing on strengthening their midfield options as Amorim is pushing for a midfielder to “accelerate his rebuild.” It is believed that if the Mancunians fail to get Baleba this summer, they will “almost certainly go again” next year.

Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social