Manchester United were left scrambling for midfield cover in the closing stages of the summer window, after it emerged that a move for Carlos Baleba was not feasible.
Ruben Amorim had made it clear to the INEOS hierarchy that the Brighton and Hove Albion star was the perfect fit for his tactical style.
Intermediaries opened contact but in the end, the Seagulls’ valuation meant a move never materialised, with the United co-owners opting to splurge big on improving the attack instead.
The Red Devils then touched base with Conor Gallagher over a loan deal, which Atletico Madrid rejected instantly, while Angelo Stiller of VfB Stuttgart snubbed a late move to Old Trafford.
Midfielder hunt
Surprisingly, the 20-time English league champions had enquired with Chelsea over the availability of Romeo Lavia (UiF via Football Fancast).
The Belgian is currently sidelined, and has terribly unlucky with injuries since his €62 million move from Southampton to Chelsea back in 2023.
He has missed almost 70 games but Enzo Maresca is clearly a fan, as he refused to sanction the 21-year-old’s exit.
“Manchester United did plenty of work on potential midfield options towards the end of the window, as we know. Speaking to sources, away from the likes of Baleba, Hjulmand and Gallagher – another they did ask about was Lavia.
Lavia talks
“Lavia is a very interesting option and not one Chelsea thought about letting go am told, but let’s see what happens with him. Andrey Santos has come in now too, things could be different in January.”
However, once he does come back, it will not be easy for him to reclaim a starting berth given the options at Maresca’s disposal, which is why there is a chance of a January departure, even if on an initial loan.
The Peoples Person has relayed United’s plans of trying again for the former Manchester City academy graduate should he regain his fitness. Whether Chelsea will agree to let him join a direct rival remains to be seen.
INEOS’ main priority will obviously be to try and sign Baleba in a record deal in the winter. Hopefully, quality can be added to the squad then.
Feature image Michael Regan 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
