Man United sent into panic as PSG emerge as shock rivals for £100m transfer target
Man United are linked to spending £100m on a midfielder in the summer transfer window.
Man United have a lot to think about heading into the summer transfer window, as Casemiro is due to leave the club as he isn’t extending his contract at Old Trafford, meaning he’ll leave as a free agent.
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It is understood that replacing Casemiro in the holding midfield role is Man United’s biggest transfer priority, and they are expected to spend big on the position, with three Premier League stars identified as key targets.
Brighton’s Carlos Baleba is expected to cost £100m, and so is Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson. Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is also a target for United, but he isn’t expected to be as expensive as the other two.
PSG emerge as shock suitors for Baleba
Last summer, Man United enquired about signing Baleba from Brighton, but the South-Coast club demanded a fee of at least £100m, so United decided to opt out of any potential deal for the Cameroon international.
They remain interested in Baleba, and could make a move for the 22-year-old in the summer, although it seems as though they will be facing competition from French side PSG, as reports claim that Luis Enrique is a big admirer of Baleba.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Enrique’s side wants to strengthen their depth in midfield ahead of next season, and Baleba has emerged as a top target. The report even claims that PSG ‘lead the race’ for the midfielder, which is a huge blow for Man United, as he was one of their top targets.
Baleba’s form has declined slightly this season, which many are putting down to the very public interest in him from Manchester United. He has made 21 Premier League appearances for Fabian Hurzeler’s side this season, and remains a very key part of Brighton’s first team.
Who are Man United most likely to sign instead?
If the reports are true, and PSG are leading the race to sign the Brighton star, then Man United will need to quickly turn their attention elsewhere. Elliot Anderson seems the next most likely addition for the Red Devils, as the Forest midfielder has become a key part of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad over the past year.
Man City are understood to be keen on Anderson too, and much like Baleba at Brighton, Forest would like around £100m for the 22-year-old, which could increase with a successful World Cup campaign.
However, there is a saving grace for United, as Nottingham Forest looks like they could be in real trouble. After sacking Sean Dyche and replacing him with former Wolves boss Vitor Pereira, Forest sit just three points above the relegation zone, and with a resurgent West Ham just behind them, will be looking over their shoulders.
If Forest suffer relegation, they won’t be able to demand £100m for Anderson, and so United could get him for much cheaper. If that is the case, there will no doubt be a lot of competition for the midfielder’s signature.