Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing free agent striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who was recently linked with Aston Villa.placeholder image
Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing free agent striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who was recently linked with Aston Villa. | Getty Images
Man United are trying to land a couple more names before the end of the summer transfer window.
Midfield remains an area of concern, with a distinct lack of depth in the holding roles behind the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte. United would like to add at least one more central midfielder before the window is over, and ideally bring someone in who could make a huge impact.
The Red Devils are stepping up their efforts to sign a midfielder, with one Premier League name emerging as their top target. However, it is understood that he is not for sale, and so United will need to do some seriously good negotiating to get a deal across the line.
Man United want Baleba this summer due to rivals circling
Brighton’s Carlos Baleba is United’s first-choice target in midfield this summer. The 21-year-old would help to fill the holding role that Amorim wants, and could become one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, much like when Chelsea signed Moises Caicedo from the Seagulls two years ago.
However, the Red Devils want to sign him this summer, despite Brighton’s reluctance to sell, because there is a fear that several clubs will be in for the Cameroonian midfielder next summer, giving United less of a chance at landing the 21-year-old.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein has reported that competition to sign him in 2026 is due to be ‘fierce’, making him a priority addition for United this year. Ornstein wrote: “United are studying the parameters of a deal now, in case it is viable and Brighton’s resolve can be put to the test. Baleba — whose contract runs until 2028 with an option to extend by a further 12 months — is keen on the possibility of a switch to United, and personal terms would not be a problem.”
However, Ornstein does point out that the biggest stumbling block could be the potential cost of a deal for Baleba, as Brighton views him in a similar light to when they sold Caicedo for £115m in total to Chelsea. So, a deal may only be likely if Baleba himself requests a move away, and the United players seem to be trying to make this happen.
“A number of United players have been in contact with Baleba about a transfer to Old Trafford,” Ornstein added, “explaining the current landscape and ambitions.”
Are there any cheaper ways to upgrade in midfield?
One previous cheaper target was Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi, who would have cost just £9m. However, the Nigerian joined Turkish side Besiktas instead, and so United will need to consider other alternatives.
There would potentially be a chance that United could sign Baleba by spending less cash, but as things stand, it is a much more speculative option. Brighton have been credited with interest in Man United winger Antony, who is expected to leave the club this summer.
The Red Devils could offer Antony in a package deal in exchange for Baleba; it would look something like Antony plus a decent amount of cash, depending on both how United values the Brazilian winger, and how the Seagulls value Baleba. It is not clear yet whether Brighton would be more inclined to accept such an offer, but the opportunity could be there.
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