Aiming to end their transfer window with a big midfield addition, Manchester United and INEOS have already reportedly set their sights on an alternative option to Carlos Baleba.
Latest on Man Utd's pursuit of Baleba
After falling to a club-record low in the Premier League and losing in the Europa League final at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur last season, not many expected Manchester United to be in a strong position to attract top stars this summer. The lure of the Theatre of Dreams remains strong, however, and INEOS have so far welcomed Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko to transform their attack.
They're not stopping there, either. With Ruben Amorim's attack finally sharpened, INEOS have reportedly shifted their attention towards United's midfield and adding Carlos Baleba to an impressive summer of arrivals. Alas, as if often the case, Brighton & Hove Albion's star won't come cheap and initial reports have suggested that the midfielder will cost over £100m this month.
As things stand, that valuation is likely to be out of Manchester United's range, but there is still one glimmer of hope to hold on to. Reports are also indicating that Baleba is keen on a move to Old Trafford even without the prospect of playing European football.
Whether INEOS can negotiate a way past Brighton's hefty price tag will be the main obstacle between Baleba becoming a Manchester United player. It's an obstacle that not many have got past before, with Chelsea paying bid for Moises Caicedo and Marc Cucurella in the past. Unlike the Blues, though, United may have no choice but to turn towards other targets.
Man Utd identify Stiller as Baleba alternative
According to The Boot Room, INESO and Manchester United are already eyeing Angelo Stiller as an alternative option to Baleba if they fail to reach Brighton's valuation. The VfB Stuttgart midfielder has previously found himself on Liverpool's radar and could now come back to haunt Manchester United's rivals by completing a move to Old Trafford.
League stats 24/25 Stiller Baleba
Minutes 2,741 2,661
Progressive Passes 289 118
Tackles Won 27 46
Ball Recoveries 140 197
A player who that analyst Ben Mattinson dubbed "complete", it's clear to see why Stiller is on United's radar. In possession, his ability to progress play is an incredibly valuable trait, whilst his numbers off the ball aren't too far off Baleba's quality.
VfB Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller celebrates scoring their first goal
Given that he's likely to be cheaper than the Brighton star, Manchester United should seriously consider a move for the German this month if a transfer for their top target fails to materialise. It is also worth noting that, as impressive as he already is, Stiller is likely to get even better at just 24 years old.