Fabrizio Romano: Manchester United 'contact ongoing' over sensational midfield signing
Man Utd would like to add a midfielder to their squad by the end of the summer transfer window.m
Manchester United are still open to signing a midfielder in the final three weeks of the summer transfer window as Ruben Amorim looks to add the finishing touches to his first-team squad.
United completed the addition of Benjamin Sesko over the weekend and unveiled the Slovenian striker at Old Trafford alongside fellow summer recruits Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Diego Leon. In an ideal world, Amorim would also like to add a goalkeeper and a mobile midfielder to his side, though it is far easier said than done.
Carlos Baleba is viewed as the dream addition for the midfield role, though Brighton have made it clear they have no plans to sell him before deadline day. United are prepared to let Toby Collyer leave on loan to facilitate a midfield signing, but time is running out to complete a deal and United have yet to sanction a permanent sale this summer.
Fabrizio Romano issues Carlos Baleba update
Manchester United view Carlos Baleba as their dream midfield target, but a move is considered highly unlikely this summer. It is understood Brighton have placed a £100 million asking price on the 21-year-old midfielder and they could also offer him a new and improved contract to strengthen their future negotiation position.
Baleba is also understood to be happy to remain at Brighton for another season, with a move next summer a much more likely option. Ligue 1 side Lille would also be due 20% of any future profit from a deal, part of the reason why Brighton would demand so much to sell him.
Writing in his latest GIVEMESPORT newsletter, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano provided a brief update on United's interest in the Cameroon international. "Contacts still ongoing on the player side," he wrote. "Let's see what happens between clubs, but it remains very difficult with Brighton."
Last week, Brighton chief executive Paul Barber and head coach Fabian Hurzeler held their annual pre-season Fans' Forum, where they were asked about Baleba's future at the club. "We've got some great talent, there's always going to be interest in our players," Barber said. "Manchester United have not been in touch with me. So from that point of view, speculation is speculation. We will always try to make sure we sell our best players at the right time, not just for the player but for us.
"If we end up doing that with any player, it's with the view to leave Fabian with a very competitive squad, whatever happens. We don't want to sell our best players. Carlos is a fantastic talent who has a lot of years ahead of him. We hope he will be here for many years to come. But it's something that, as always, is subjective to the dynamics of the football world which isn't always predictable."
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