David Ornstein has revealed that Manchester United have reignited their interest in a Premier League star after summer interest.
It is no secret that Manchester United have hunted for a midfielder for the last few years. Ever since the trio of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Bruno Fernandes, United have lacked a midfield unit that consistently performs week in week out.
Despite the signings of Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, and Mason Mount over the last few years, the frailties in the team’s engine room seem to be ever-present.
While Casemiro has returned to some of his best form and struck up a good partnership with Fernandes, age is not on his side. With his contract set to expire this summer, the need for not just one, but two has become heightened.
As Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have shown, signing players with Premier League experience seems to be the way to go.
United still want Baleba
Carlos Baleba is a name that has been etched into the minds of all United fans. The club were desperate to secure his signature in the summer but could not get the deal across the line due to the £100 million price tag Brighton had placed on him.
Last season, Baleba was considered to be one of the most promising central midfielders in the world, and a perfect fit for United’s midfield. His high-energy profile and progressive runs are almost unstoppable at times.
However, the Cameroonian has had a mixed season, often failing to reach the heights of last season, but David Ornstein has reaffirmed Baleba and United’s stance on a deal.
Speaking to Planet Football, he said: “They want him, he wants them, Brighton don’t want to let him go, but we’ll see what the future holds.
“They have to upgrade in that number six department. Rúben Amorim wants to, and that could help complete their rebuild.”
Better to pursue other deals in January
While Baleba is still the dream signing for many fans, the huge price tag that has been reported, as well as his poor form at the moment, suggest that now is not the right time to pursue that deal. Perhaps next summer, the fee may go down and United can capitalise on it.
Right now, Amorim needs not only depth in the midfield, but players who may not cost huge amounts, so the club can keep their powder dry for the summer.
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Joao Gomes from Wolves could be a shrewd deal for the clubs, with recent reports suggesting that United have monitored the player’s progress.
With Wolves struggling in the league, his price could be affordable for United. He offers not only the athleticism and physicality Amorim requires from his midfielders but also the technical quality, as well as Premier League experience.
Being a Brazilian, he will also be welcomed into the dressing room by his ‘idol’ Casemiro and former Wolves teammate Cunha.
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