Manchester United have big money to spend and big decisions to make in the summer transfer window and Michael Carrick has reached one conclusion
Michael Carrick has reignited Manchester United’s interest in a former transfer target as the Red Devils looks to revamp their squad.
Having secured Champions League qualification last season, the Premier League giants require greater depth in their squad, particularly in midfield given the departure of stalwart Casemiro and a serious injury to Manuel Ugarte. Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have joined from Chelsea and Aston Villa, respectively, but more work remains to be done.
United supporters will be keen to see the heavyweights punch their weight in the transfer market and as Carrick prepares for their next pre-season friendly against Norway’s top team Rosenborg, here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.
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Scott decision made
United have withdrawn from the pursuit of Alex Scott after being priced out of a deal for the midfielder.
The Red Devils’ £40million valuation is vastly different from Bournemouth’s £70m asking price for the former England U21s star.
While United hold the 22-year-old in high regard, they are unwilling to pay excessive fees for a player who has yet to earn his maiden full England cap, despite being included in the squad for pre-World Cup friendlies.
Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham have all shown interest in the player, while Chelsea have allegedly seen a £64m bid turned down. Scott has two years remaining on the deal he penned upon his £25m switch from Bristol City in 2023.
He received a call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for fixtures against Serbia and Albania last season and was invited to join the Three Lions’ squad for their preparation camp in Florida before the World Cup.
United want a third new midfielder despite bolstering their ranks with the acquisitions of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, but are not willing to enter into a bidding war with Arsenal over Scott.
United revisit £100m target
With a move for Scott appearing unlikely, United are prepared to reignite their pursuit of Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.
United were connected with the 22-year-old Cameroon international last summer, reports the Mirror, after he had enjoyed a fine season on the south coast.
Brighton had placed a £100m valuation on Baleba and it is understood transfer talk surrounding his future may have played a part in his decline in performances last campaign.
That seemingly hasn’t deterred United, with Sky Sports suggesting the club are considering reviving their interest in the player.
The report adds United are yet to establish fresh dialogue with Brighton and the £100m figure would need to be reduced for them to contemplate pursuing a deal. Nevertheless, their desire to sign him remains considerable.
Baleba, who plays predominantly as a defensive or central midfielder, has already racked up nearly 100 Premier League appearances for the Seagulls.