Manchester United have reportedly identified Athletic Bilbao midfielder Mikel Jauregizar as an alternative to Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba.
The Red Devils are determined to bring a new central midfielder to Old Trafford before the summer transfer window closes, and Baleba is their leading target in that area of the field.
However, a deal for the Cameroon international is viewed as incredibly complicated, with Brighton believed to want in excess of £100m for a player who has a contract at the Amex until June 2028.
Man United continue to work on a potential deal for the 21-year-old, but the club may be forced to switch their attention elsewhere in the latter stages of the transfer window.
According to Fichajes, Athletic's Jauregizar is seen as a genuine alternative, with the 21-year-old expected to make the move to a major club in the not too distant future.
Athletic Bilbao midfielder Mikel Jauregizar on August 28, 2024
Man United 'consider move' for Athletic's Jauregizar
The report claims that Jauregizar's 'versaility' and 'ability to cover large areas of the pitch' have made him an attractive proposition for the 20-time English champions.
The former Spain Under-21s international is contracted to Athletic until the summer of 2031, but he would be available for the right price during this summer's transfer window.
The midfielder has represented his current side on 58 occasions in all competitions, scoring three goals and registering three assists in the process.
Last season, Jauregizar scored three goals and registered three assists in 48 appearances for the Lions in all competitions, including a record of two goals and two assists in 34 La Liga matches.
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim on July 19, 2025
Would Jauregizar be a good signing for Man United?
Jauregizar has developed into a key cog in the Athletic machine, and it is not difficult to understand why Man United would be interested, as he looks the perfect fit for the Premier League.
Man United continue to pursue Baleba, but if it becomes clear that a deal is not possible this summer, then the Red Devils will have to move on before the end of the transfer window.
Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton has been mentioned as a potential alternative, but the Englishman would also be incredibly expensive, and a move for Jauregizar, who is also believed to be on Real Madrid's radar, makes a lot of sense for the English giants.
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