Manchester United have suffered a significant setback in their search for a world-class defensive midfielder after Aurelien Tchouameni committed his long-term future to Real Madrid.
The French international has reportedly agreed a new contract that will keep him at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2031.
It is a frustrating development for Man United because Tchouameni looked like the perfect long-term replacement for Casemiro.
His renewal now forces INEOS to quickly rethink their transfer strategy.
United have reached agreements to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Ederson from Atalanta. The duo are expected to undergo medicals soon.
Both players would significantly improve the squad but the Red Devils still need a physically dominant defensive midfielder.
This is why INEOS should now make a ruthless move for the Cameroon international Carlos Baleba.
His ball-winning ability and athleticism make him one of the closest profiles to Tchouameni currently available on the market.
He is a hard-working holding midfielder and has the ability to drive forward with the ball. He has the legs to run tirelessly and is also a very strong tackler.
Baleba still has enormous room for further development.
United made an approach for Baleba last summer, but Brighton & Hove Albion made it clear they had no intention of selling the midfielder.
Personal terms are unlikely to present any major obstacle if the Red Devils decide to move seriously for the midfielder.
Considering the current inflation in the transfer market, it would be hard for United to get him for anything less than £80 million.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com