Manchester United star could leave in January transfer window
Man Utd will face their 'perfect' midfield transfer target in the Premier League this weekend.
United enquired over a possible deal to sign the 21-year-old, but walked away when Brighton made it clear they had no desire to sell the youngster this year. The Seagulls insisted they would only entertain an offer in the region of £115 million for the star and used the sale of Moises Caicedo to Chelsea as a benchmark for a move.
Club sources insist United did not view midfield as a 'priority' position in the summer, though Ruben Amorim would like to have added to his squad if possible. United will target a midfield refresh next year and could sign at least two players in that role, amid uncertainty over just about every option at the club.
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Casemiro is expected to leave when his contract expires at the end of the campaign, while Bruno Fernandes remains a target for Saudi Arabian clubs. Kobbie Mainoo is unhappy with his lack of playing time under Amorim, and Manuel Ugarte has struggled since his move from Paris Saint-Germain.
Hurzeler sends Baleba a warning
Ruben Amorim would like to sign a Premier League-proven midfielder next summer to add extra athleticism and mobility to his squad. Carlos Baleba is expected to remain on their wish list alongside Crystal Palace ace Adam Wharton, Nottingham Forest gem Elliot Anderson and Brentford youngster Yehor Yarmolyuk.
Baleba has struggled to live up to his billing during the opening weeks of the season but will get a chance to impress United when Brighton travel to Old Trafford this weekend. Speaking ahead of the clash, Fabian Hurzeler addressed the transfer interest in his midfielder: "I think it's the next step for him as a person, as a personality to overcome the rumours and the noise because it's only the noise that tries to distract him from performing for us for Brighton," he said.
"The main thing, and it's not only for us here regarding development, in general for his career he needs to focus on what he can control because he can't influence the rumours and the noise, only the things he does on the pitch."
He added: "I think it's very important to understand that we saw some really good actions from Baleba against Newcastle and I'm pleased to hear this. It's always the most important how a player feels, that he feels like he's getting back to his own.
"Now it's about all the behaviours that he showed against Newcastle and making them into habits, if you do it consistently, daily business, every training showing these behaviours and actions then you get habits. I feel also that he's getting back more and more to his shape and hopefully he can continue with that performance tomorrow."
Baleba the 'perfect' midfield target
Speaking last week, notorious transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano claimed Carlos Baleba was viewed as the ‘perfect’ midfield target for Manchester United under Ruben Amorim.
"Carlos Baleba was a target for Manchester United," he told viewers. "There were very positive exchanges between, Baleba, his agent and Manchester United. He wanted the move, but he didn't want to force the move. He respected Brighton, he didn't ask to go, so it was in Brighton's hands. At the moment, Brighton insist on their position not to sell the player in the January transfer window. For that to happen, it would have to be a crazy proposal or if the player asked to go. Even in that case, they don't want to sell him. It is going to be difficult.
"In the summer, it might be different. Amorim pushed a lot for Baleba in the summer transfer window, he saw him as a perfect target for Man United, in terms of intensity, skills, potential and knowledge of the Premier League. He was considered a perfect signing by people at the club and by the manager. It remains a difficult deal for January, for the summer we will see what will happen. Manchester United are looking for an important midfielder in 2026."
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