Manchester United continue to be linked with new midfielders ahead of the summer transfer window, but talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook believes that Brighton and Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba is their top target.
GIVEMESPORT sources have previously revealed that the Red Devils want to bring in two top central midfielders at the end of the season, with Casemiro departing then when his contract at Old Trafford expires.
It's unclear whether Kobbie Mainoo's resurgence could impact those plans or whether two will still arrive, but there are plenty of names on their list.
Man United's summer transfer budget could be boosted significantly if they qualify for the Champions League next season, with caretaker manager Michael Carrick leading the club in third position, with the top five spots in the Premier League likely to guarantee a spot in Europe's elite club competition in 2026-27.
Baleba Would be Perfect Foil for Mainoo
Carlos Baleba in action for Brighton & Hove Albion
While United have been linked with the likes of Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, who is also a target for Manchester City, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali, Crook believes that Brighton's Baleba has always been their very top midfield target.
The 22-year-old has actually been underwhelming this term and he has been hooked at half-time on a number of occasions, including in the 22nd minute during the defeat to Aston Villa last month.
Speaking about Man United's midfield situation ahead of the summer, Crook told talkSPORT:
"This might sound strange, because he's not having the best season at Brighton, but I think Baleba would be the perfect foil for Mainoo. He's more of a sitting midfielder, because Kobbie's big strength for me is carrying the ball.
"Wharton's range of passing is terrific but we've already got Bruno Fernandes who can do that. I guess if you're looking for a combination of the two - Baleba and Wharton - that would be Anderson or Tonali, so it will be fascinating to see which of those players United stumble upon.
"The nagging sense in my mind, when you look at what happened last summer and that they made enquiries in January, is that Baleba has always been their number one target from that list of players."
United Could be Left Disappointed
Jason Wilcox
While Crook believes that Baleba has always been the club's number one midfield target, other reports have suggested that Elliot Anderson was the man they really wanted.
It seems to be quite a closely-contested transfer shortlist, but with rumours that Man City want Anderson and would be willing to offer him a better salary outside of United's new wage structure, they could be left disappointed in that pursuit.
Anderson has previously been reported to be valued at £100m by Forest, with similar fees mentioned for Baleba, Wharton and Tonali too.
United's preference could come down to who they can secure for a lower fee, which could potentially happen with Baleba following an underwhelming campaign at the Amex.
If United do decide to bring in two new players, they could also look at some cheaper options like West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes, who has also been mentioned to Crook.
Who Would Complement Mainoo the Best?
manchester united mainoo
GIVEMESPORT decided to ask ChatGPT who out Baleba, Wharton, Anderson and Tonali would complement Mainoo the best in United's central midfield, and this is what it said:
Best complement for Kobbie Mainoo: Sandro Tonali, with Adam Wharton a close tactical alternative.
Mainoo thrives as a press-resistant, progressive midfielder who carries the ball and links defence to attack, but he benefits from a partner who adds defensive structure and tempo control.
Tonali offers the best balance: elite positioning, defensive intensity, and deep playmaking, allowing Mainoo to progress the ball.
Wharton provides calm distribution and build-up control, forming a possession-dominant pivot.
Baleba adds ball-winning but risks slowing build-up.
Anderson brings energy and pressing but less control.
Overall, Tonali’s all-round defensive and playmaking profile complements Mainoo most effectively.
Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick walks to his seat Related
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