United eye relentless 21-year-old Spanish talent as safe bet if ambitious marquee swoop collapses – report

A midfield signing is expected at Manchester United as INEOS aims to close the summer transfer window in style.

As promising as United have looked, glaring weaknesses remain in their engine room.

Ruben Amorim has had a tricky task settling on the ideal midfield pivot.

With Bruno Fernandes dropping deeper into central midfield, the Portuguese tactician must find the perfect partner for the Portuguese magnifico.

Casemiro has been preferred, but he is no longer as athletic as he once was, leaving United’s midfield exposed.

The team has often struggled to dominate midfield battles when Fernandes and Casemiro have been paired.

While a Kobbie Mainoo–Manuel Ugarte partnership has shown promise, the concern is where that leaves Fernandes, the heartbeat of this team.

Finding Fernandes’ perfect partner

All signs point to Carlos Baleba.

United are working hard to land the Brighton & Hove Albion star.

But the move is proving difficult.

The Red Devils must contend with Brighton’s reluctance to sell, and if they do, they are demanding a record transfer fee.

While there is hope United can close the deal, there is also a growing realisation that it may not happen.

This is especially true after Brighton boss Fabian Hurzelar, in his latest press conference, told the media via the Evening Standard:

“I’m very, very, very confident he will stay. I didn’t see any change; he only changed his hair. He is enjoying being a Brighton player.”

Athletic Bilbao raid mooted

With Baleba’s deal uncertain, United need a Plan B.

Spanish outlet Fichajes now report that Athletic Bilbao midfielder Mikel Jauregizar has been identified as an alternative.

The 21-year-old is considered one of La Liga’s finest up-and-coming midfield talents.

Described as a dynamic central midfielder with a high defensive work rate, combative tackling and strong link-up play, Fichajes believe he is a perfect fit for Amorim’s system.

They write:

“Jauregizar is one of Athletic Club’s great bets for the future.

“With a contract until 2031, last season he played 48 games under Ernesto Valverde, scoring three goals and providing three assists.

“His versatility in midfield and ability to cover large areas of the pitch make him an attractive profile for the Premier League.”

A rough diamond, Jauregizar is Athletic Club’s prized midfield prospect.

If he lives up to the traits he has been labelled with, he could be polished into the quality central midfielder Amorim craves.

However, with a long-term deal at San Mames and the new La Liga season about to kick off, negotiations may prove challenging.

If not Baleba or Jauregizar, then who?

According to Fichajes, Jauregizar is not the only La Liga midfield prospect on United’s radar.

Lucien Agoume and Javi Guerra are also being monitored.

So while Baleba remains Plan A, United have a Plan B, C and D.

Even with a sparkling new attack, it is the midfield winning battles that must lay the foundation for United’s resurgence.

It is promising to see the club doing everything possible not to miss out on this transfer.

Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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