Manchester United may be forced to look for alternatives in their pursuit of Brighton star Carlos Baleba in the coming weeks - and reports have suggested that the Red Devils could turn to Feyenoord star Quinten Timber as an alternative for the Premier League enforcer.
United have been in the market for a new midfielder for some time, having seen Christian Eriksen depart the club after his contract expired in the summer, alongside Casemiro undergoing a decline and Mason Mount suffering with injuries. But if they can't seal a deal for Baleba, Timber could be the man in for the Red Devils to combat their engine room issues.
Report: United 'Closely Monitoring' Quinten Timber Move
quinten timber
The report by Football Transfers states that United are closely monitoring a move for Timber as a possible alternative for Baleba, with Ruben Amorim keen to sign a new central midfielder before the end of the summer transfer window at the start of September.
Timber has therefore been earmarked as a potential target by the Red Devils, with a deal looking even more favourable with just one year left on his current contract at Feyenoord - and the Eredivisie outfit may be forced to sell him at a reduced price this summer, in a bid to stop losing him on a free transfer next summer.
Timber would be much cheaper than Baleba, who has been touted as costing as high as £120million per GIVEMESPORT sources, and that would save valuable funds, having already spent almost £200million on a new-look front three which boasts Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and RB Leipzig sensation Benjamin Sesko.
Amorim currently favours a move for Baleba, who has shone at Premier League level over the past two seasons, but Old Trafford chiefs are concerned that a deal could lead to PSR issues heading into the new campaign. Alongside that, certain key figures at the Theatre of Dreams believe that Timber may actually be a better tactical fit than the Cameroon star.
Former United star Robin van Persie, who is currently Timber's manager at Feyenoord, has admitted that he wants to keep the midfielder at the club going forward - though he recently stripped him of the captaincy, and although United haven't made a bid yet, the Dutch side may then be willing to sanction a sale if they make a suitable bid before transfer deadline day.
Timber, the twin brother of Arsenal star Jurrien, has five caps for the Netherlands having made his debut in March 2024.
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