Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim remained coy when asked whether his team could sign a new central midfielder before the summer transfer window closes for business.
Amorim is believed to be pushing for transfer chiefs to bring a new midfielder to Old Trafford, viewing it as a priority for the 20-time English champions before the transfer market closes.
Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba appears to be the team's leading target in that area of the field, but a deal for the Cameroon international is viewed as incredibly complicated.
The Seagulls are thought to want in the region of £100m for Baleba, and it is understood that Man United are prepared to wait until the summer of 2026 to sign the 21-year-old.
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler has also said that he is "very, very confident" of keeping hold of the midfielder amid the speculation surrounding his future.
Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba in September 2024.
Man United continue to be linked with Brighton star Baleba
Amorim was quizzed on a potential midfield addition during his press conference on Friday afternoon.
The Portuguese refused to reveal whether a new player would arrive in that area of the field, though, claiming that he is "really happy" with his current options.
"I'm really happy with our players, they are working really well and we have players in that position, so we are prepared to win any game with our players," Amorim told reporters.
Man United have boosted their attack with the additions of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, but midfield is an area that Amorim wants to improve before the window closes.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes on July 19, 2025
Will Fernandes drop into central midfield this season?
Bruno Fernandes is expected to operate in central midfield this season following the additions of Cunha and Mbeumo, while Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro are also options in that area.
"Even last season, when he played as a midfielder, he was the player who had more shots near the box. So I think it's a good thing for Bruno to stay in one position during training," Amorim told reporters when asked about Fernandes' position.
"I want Bruno near the ball, which is really important for our team. Now we have players with different characteristics who can cope with that, so we will try to manage the game by game, the players for the best positions."
Toby Collyer is set to leave, with the midfielder on the verge of joining West Bromwich Albion on loan, strengthening the club's need to add another player in that area.
Athletic Bilbao's Mikel Jauregizar is believed to be a potential alternative, while Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, Sporting Lisbon's Morten Hjulmand and Atalanta BC's Ederson have also been linked with moves to Old Trafford.
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