Manchester United are set to go all out in their pursuit of a midfield general and could now be set to raid one of Europe's top-five leagues to land their man, according to a report.
Manchester United pull out of Carlos Baleba deal
In recent days, Carlos Baleba had become Manchester United's main target as Ruben Amorim looks to find someone to set the tone in the engine room, but the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder would cost a club record fee and INEOS have since pulled out of a deal, as per David Ornstein.
The Cameroon international has remained in training with the Seagulls throughout the short saga and his boss Fabian Hurzeler is 'very confident' he will stay on the South Coast, with Brighton's lofty 9-digit valuation seemingly turning away United's advances, at least for this summer.
While that pursuit looks to have faded away, Manchester United also have Sevilla star Lucien Agoume on their radar as they look to build a side worthy of competing against the Premier League elite.
To raise financial capital, sales may also be necessary at Old Trafford to generate funds to sanction incomings. In unusual fashion, there is even talk that Jadon Sancho could be used as a makeweight to land Baleba before the close of play.
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Carlos Baleba.
Lessons appear to be learned from Manuel Ugarte's frustrations since moving to the Red Devils. There is still a major appetite for arrivals at the club, but INEOS are adopting a policy of recruiting the best in class to help their mission.
Despite being some way below their former glories, Manchester United are a club that will always hold appeal to the world's finest stars, and they could now be about to use that charm in their quest to bring in an all-action midfielder who could be an alternative to Baleba.
Manchester United turn attention to Mikel Jauregizar
According to reports in Spain, Manchester United have identified Athletic Club midfielder Mikel Jauregizar as a target. The Spain international is valued due to his versatile nature and ability to cover ground, which led Ben Mattinson to label him "Mr Consistent" last season after a return of three goals and three assists in 48 appearances across all competitions.
Of course, he scored a stunner at Old Trafford as his side lost 7-1 on aggregate in the Europa League semi-final. However, his contribution to the tie will definitely be remembered by supporters.
Agoume is mentioned again, and so is long-term Manchester United target Javi Guerra, illustrating that INEOS are putting in the leg work to find an exciting midfield addition for Amorim.
After a dreadful campaign last term, exciting times are on the horizon at Old Trafford and there is plenty of anticipation over who could be set to sign on the dotted line.