Expectation is increasing that Carlos Baleba will join Manchester United (Image: Liz Finlayson)
Expectation is increasing that Carlos Baleba will join Manchester United (Image: Liz Finlayson)
Manchester United’s pursuit of Carlos Baleba looked poised for a conclusion as the Premier League season kicked off.
And Liverpool remained in the hunt for Yankuba Minteh.
Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler, looking relaxed about the situation, appeared to give a hint that the Baleba deal was well progressed as he spoke at his Friday press conference.
Asked whether the only reason Baleba will miss Sunday’s game against Aston Villa was injury, he laughed and said: “At the moment, yes.”
Baleba is expected to sign a long-term contract at Old Trafford with Albion reportedly banking up to £70 million plus a sell-on clause.
Minteh was reportedly subject of a second bid from Liverpool on Friday afternoon worth £60 million.
Baleba’s departure was believed to be a case of ‘when’ and Minteh more of an ‘if’ on Friday afternoon given that Liverpool are also believed to have other options.
But they appeared still intent on landing the winger.
While the exit for big fees of young players they have developed is an essential part of Albion’s business model, they do not usually make three such sales in one window.
Jan Paul van Hecke was sold to Spurs early in the window for £52 million, although Luka Vuskovic moved the opposite way for £46 million.
Danny Welbeck is also a major sale this summer in terms of role and importance, but not fee.
Both van Hecke and Welbeck were due to run out of contract next summer.
United were linked with Baleba, under contract until 2028, last summer and the narrative will be they now have a bargain at £70 million.
It is not clear at what price Albion valued him at last summer given they had no intention of selling.
Baleba has had an in-and-out season since then, completing just three full games in the Premier League.
Hurzeler said on Friday: "In general, all the players there are rumours about, they are important players for us because they were a big part of the journey in the last two years.
“But, in football, we all have to understand that it's normal if you're successful as a team, if the team is doing well, there's some good achievements, then the individual can shine and then, of course, there will be a big ask for our players.
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“That's part of our identity, that's part of my job here, and there was clear for everyone that this might happen during a busy transfer window."
He added: “I'm not here to complain.
“I'm here to find solutions and I'm convinced that, together with my players, we will find good solutions.”