Manchester United Eyes Carlos Baleba as Key Midfield Addition

Manchester United's midfield overhaul is progressing, with the club now focusing on Brighton's Carlos Baleba as their potential 'third midfielder.' This comes after recent signings of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, which marked a significant shift in the team's strategy.

United's interest in Baleba has gained momentum, as they recently submitted an offer of £60 million plus an additional £5 million. Nevertheless, insiders suggest that this initial bid may fall short of Brighton's expectations, but discussions are ongoing with optimism about finalizing the deal.

Throughout the summer, a number of names were floated as potential targets for the midfield role, including Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid, Bournemouth's Alex Scott, and Fulham's Sander Berge. However, Baleba's profile has risen amidst these discussions, especially given his ability to cover ground effectively on the pitch.

Manchester United's recruitment team appears to have shifted strategies from previous years, opting for a more discreet approach in negotiations. Unlike the drawn-out saga of signing Frenkie de Jong last summer, this year's transactions have been executed with surprising efficiency, with Santos and Tielemans secured in rapid succession.

Baleba's addition might be crucial for providing depth alongside existing players like Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes, especially after United's recent match against AC Milan exposed a lack of energy in the midfield. As Baleba recovers from an ankle injury that has sidelined him for a few weeks, his return could bring much-needed dynamism to the squad.

Moreover, the club is aware that their summer activity isn't over yet, with an urgent need for a new left-back still looming. While the specific player remains uncertain, it's clear that Manchester United's commitment to revamping their roster is underway.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk