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Man United would like to sign a holding midfielder this summer to help add more solidity in Amorim’s XI.
Manchester United’s summer transfer business has seen them so far bring in two major signings who are both proven Premier League talents, who have shown that they are capable of producing excellent numbers in the English top division.
However, United are still in need of a central midfielder who can add depth in the holding role following the departure of Christian Eriksen. They have been linked to a former Premier League midfielder who has attracted a lot of attention this summer.
Man United risk losing out on Douglas Luiz
Luiz joined the Serie A giants last summer, but failed to make the impact that he would have hoped for, making 26 appearances in all competitions and failing to score or assist for Juventus.
He has now been linked with a return to the Premier League, and United are one of the interested clubs. However, it seems the Red Devils could miss out on him, as Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest are closing in on a move for the 27-year-old Brazilian.
Italian newspaper Gazetta Dello Sport are reporting that Luiz is “very close” to joining Forest. The Midlands-based club have reportedly agreed to fulfil Luiz’s demands contract-wise, and the deal is expected to be a loan with an option to buy, becoming an obligation based on incentives. They are also said to be confident of reaching an agreement with the Italian club.
United will find it frustrating, as a loan to buy would benefit the Red Devils’ precarious financial situation more than an outright transfer, especially considering they are close to spending big on Sesko.
Who could Man United sign in midfield instead?
Seeing as it looks as though United are going to lose out on Luiz, they may have to look at alternative targets instead. They have reportedly enquired about signing Carlos Baleba from Brighton, who was the Seagulls’ long-term replacement for Moises Caicedo.
Despite United’s interest in Baleba, Brighton have said that they aren’t planning to sell the midfielder this summer, but if United could get Baleba to demand a move away, then it certainly could be possible.
The Cameroonian midfielder has an estimated market value of £35m, but seeing as the Seagulls don’t want to sell, they could demand a lot more for the 21-year-old. He made 40 appearances for Brighton last year, scoring four goals, and providing two assists.
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