Fabrizio Romano has given an update on one of Manchester United’s prime central midfield targets ahead of the remaining weeks of the summer transfer window, as the club looks to address the issues in the middle of the park.
Ruben Amorim has been desperate to add some steel and power to the middle of the park ahead of the new season, and the club is attempting to give the manager what he wants with considerable intent for reinforcements.
The signings of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha are a massive boost for the Reds, but failure to address apparent, glaring faults in central midfield could see Amorim fall under major pressure early on in the season.
Adam Wharton has been a target for some time, and there remains a chance the Reds will pivot to the Crystal Palace midfielder, particularly after Fabrizio Romano’s latest update.
Carlos Baleba is now becoming unlikely to end up at Old Trafford this summer, and Brighton’s latest words to Manchester United look to have spelt the end of their pursuit of the Cameroonian this summer.
Baleba deal unlikely after recent conversations
Baleba is now not expected to join United this summer, as Brighton have made clear they have no intentions of selling the player for any fee whatsoever this summer. The feeling is that Brighton owner Tony Bloom and his club will not entertain any bids for Baleba until next summer.
Speaking on the situation on his YouTube channel, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said, “Manchester United tried to understand if there was a number to reach in order to try and negotiate with Brighton. £100/110/120 million, whatever. The answer from Brighton was no number; the player is not for sale.”
United could now turn their attention to the likes of Adam Wharton, who is also reportedly very high on their internal list. Ederson from Atalanta is another player the club admires, while Lucien Agoume is someone many are clamouring for United to look at.
One thing is for sure, however: Baleba wants to move to Manchester United and will continue to push for a move, according to Romano, but will not force the issue.
Agoume should be a target
Lucien Agoume should be the player United pivot to next. He adds that tenacity and steel are lacking without Baleba signing, which is something that the club cannot ignore ahead of the new campaign.
None of the midfield partnerships currently at the club complement each other, and United need to sign that one player who can help complement them all. Lucien Agoume is one of those players and is available for a cut-price fee.
Read More: “I think…” – Wayne Rooney reveals his thoughts on new Manchester United signing, he will be “top”
It will be an interesting remainder of the window for United, as a midfielder is paramount to any sort of success next season.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.