MUFC are having to begrudginlgy end their interest in the Seagulls ace. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Having conceded that a deal for Carlos Baleba would be incredibly difficult to facilitate this summer, Manchester United are exploring alternative midfield options.
The Reds’ interest in Baleba was first verified last week, with the likes of David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano confirming that United had made approaches to both Brighton and Hove Albion and the player’s representatives to gauge the feasibility of the transfer materialising.
From Baleba’s perspective, he’d have green-lit the move after being tempted by the prospect of representing the 20-time champions following only two seasons in England. However, he was unwilling to go as far as forcing a premature exit, given he’s contracted to the Amex until 2028.
Brighton also had no plans to part ways with their midfield starlet so early into his Seagulls tenure. If they were pressured into doing so, a fee in the region of £100 million would’ve had to be forked out by United, rendering a bid well out of their price range.
United ready to move on from Baleba with Morten Hjulmand shortlisted
Alas, Hjulmand poses as a suitable alternative at this stage of the window.
ESPN claims United ‘have an offer prepared’ for the Sporting CP skipper, who played 65 games under Ruben Amorim before the coach departed Lisbon for Manchester last November.
Hjulmand, a 19-capped Denmark international, went on to laud Amorim for the impact he’d had on his career, saying: “Ruben was one of the reasons why I came to Sporting. When you are coached by him, you get a clear idea of the way he sees football and how he sees us being part of the team.
“It’s very important for the player to know what his role is [and] what he can contribute to the team.
“The way he sees the players, how he manages the team on and off the field… It’s something I’ve never seen in my career.”
Hjulmand to United: The state of play
In regards to United’s proposal, it’s thought they would be willing to offer Sporting £50m to prise the 26-year-old from the Jose Alvalade Stadium before deadline day.
Hjulmand does have a £68m release clause included in his current terms, although this may be considered out of INEOS’ budget following a high-spend summer.
