Manchester United have made an enquiry for a highly-rated Premier League midfielder as the club look to strengthen their midfield this summer.
The midfield will be Manchester United’s top priority this summer as the club look to replace the outgoing Casemiro and add depth and quality to that part of the pitch.
United have identified Elliot Anderson as their top target, but all signs point to the Nottingham Forest midfielder going to United’s local rivals, Manchester City.
Sandro Tonali is another player high on United’s list of options, but Newcastle United will almost certainly demand a significant fee for the Italian, with initial reports claiming the Magpies would want around £100 million.
Tonali’s Newcastle teammate Bruno Guimaraes is also said to be on United’s radar, although it’s almost impossible for United to sign both.
Joao Gomes is another name that has been mentioned, and could be a good second midfield signing. Given that it is all but certain Wolves will be relegated, Gomes will likely be available for a reduced fee and could therefore represent a good-value-for-money option.
United make enquiry for Baleba
One midfielder United have a long-standing interest in is Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba.
United explored a potential deal for the Cameroonian midfielder last summer, but the Seagulls were steadfast in their stance that he was not for sale.
Baleba has struggled for form so far this season, but United’s interest remains. According to the BBC, United have, via an intermediary, made a tentative enquiry about Baleba in recent months.
The report adds, however, that any successful move for Baleba will depend on Brighton’s valuation, which reports suggest is £100 million.
Want to stay as up-to-date as possible on the latest Manchester United updates? Add UtdDistrict as a preferred source on Google for news you can rely on.
Baleba would be a risky signing
Baleba is an exceptional midfielder with immense talent, but his struggles this season should make United think twice before pursuing a move for him.
If he is to cost in the region of £100 million, that is simply too much considering the fact that he has struggled for form and consistency this season.
If Brighton were prepared to significantly lower their valuation to around £60 million, only then would it become a deal United should give serious consideration to.
Read More: Why Carlos Baleba’s Manchester United move is ‘blocked’ amid talks with representatives
The likes of Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali are more established players and therefore less risky deals to pursue. Given the fact that he’s not had a good season, staying at Brighton for another year to develop further might be beneficial for Baleba.
If he does that, United could revisit a move for the former Lille midfielder next summer. The talent is obvious, but the current circumstances and finances involved mean any deal now is far too risky for United.
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 14:00 pm (GMT) on the United View YouTube channel.