Three attacking signings have been completed, but Manchester United are not done yet, with Ruben Amorim pushing for an athletic presence in midfield.
Manuel Ugarte struggled in his debut campaign, and has not fared much better in pre-season. Casemiro excelled in Europe last term, but there are question marks regarding his suitability in the Premier League owing to his ageing legs.
Kobbie Mainoo is yet to nail down a permanent spot, which is why the Red Devils are eyeing Carlos Baleba of Brighton and Hove Albion.
It will be far from an easy deal, with the Cameroonian expected to fetch a British record fee. And player sales will determine whether a move this summer is even feasible.
Amorim wants Baleba
Fabrizio Romano has explained that the Brighton talisman has not closed the doors to a switch, while Ben Jacobs has revealed Amorim’s thoughts on the deal.
The Portuguese tactician is urging INEOS to flex their financial muscles and go after the midfield dynamo. The Seagulls’ stance is clear: they do not want to entertain his exit this summer.
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“Ruben Amorim is telling his owners and Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell go and bid NOW [for Carlos Baleba]. Show a sign of ambition. Get me a ball winner, find me an athlete in the middle of the park.
“Even though Brighton’s position is not for sale, Manchester United are prepared to try.”
Interestingly, The Standard have now claimed that United will submit a second bid for the 21-year-old. They had already seen their first offer of cash-plus-player get rejected.
Toby Collyer was offered to Brighton, but it was swiftly rejected. No bid amount is mentioned in the report but Brighton are reportedly looking for at least £105 million.
Second bid incoming
“Manchester United are set to make a second bid for Carlos Baleba this week after making the Brighton midfielder their next key transfer target.
“A first bid for Baleba has been rejected, in which United tried to include Toby Collyer in part-exchange. Brighton have little interest in selling and have put a £105million price tag on the player’s head.”
Whether INEOS can afford such an outlay after spending more than £200 million on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko will depend on player sales.
Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia, and Rasmus Hojlund are all expected to depart before the window slams shut.
Feature image Steve Bardens via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
