Latest Man United transfer news as reports linking Liverpool with a move to Carlos Baleba have been rubbished while Juventus are said to be keen on keeping Gleison Bremer
Stephen is a Senior Football Writer who provides extensive around-the-clock coverage for the Liverpool Echo, Manchester Evening News, Football.London and other Reach PLC outlets. In his spare time, Stephen scours the non-league scene around Merseyside, speaking to managers, players and taking in the best of the local action. He joined the ECHO in January 2023 following a period with other REACH PLC sites.
Manchester United have been linked with Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba(Image: Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
Manchester United have the opportunity to make it two wins in two on Saturday as they travel to Brentford. Ruben Amorim’s side have a great chance to gain momentum ahead of a busy period and compound a difficult start for Keith Andrews’ men.
First-half goals from Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro were enough for United to overcome Chelsea as Trevoh Chalobah’s effort 10 minutes to time made for a nervy ending. After getting on the scoresheet, the Brazilian midfielder was shown a red card for a second bookable offence meaning he will miss the lunchtime kick-off in the capital this weekend.
While it has been an indifferent start for United this season, they sit in 11th, just three points off the Champions League places. There are just two matches left before the international break in October and the club will mark their return to action with a trip to Liverpool on October 19.
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There are over three months until the January transfer window reopens but speculation remains rife surrounding United. The MEN has taken a look at the latest reports.
Truth on Liverpool attempts to hijack Carlos Baleba pursuit
Journalist Ben Jacobs has rubbished reports that Liverpool could hijack United’s pursuits of both Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton.
In recent weeks, speculation has suggested that the Anfield club were looking for fresh midfield signing and momentum has been gathered regarding the two standout Premier League midfielders. However, the reporter has dismissed the notion that Liverpool could land either player with their focus elsewhere.
“At the moment, I’m not really aware of Liverpool pushing for a deeper lying midfielder – if anything, if Liverpool were to add it might’ve been more of an attacking midfielder,” he told The United Stand.
“With the likes of Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba, we know they’re going to be in demand, my understanding with Wharton is that there is a gentleman’s agreement in place allowing him to leave Crystal Palace next summer so that’s obviously one to watch.
Carlos Baleba has been extensively linked with Manchester United(Image: Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
“I think Wharton could leave Palace next summer and with Carlos Baleba, there’s going to be two aspects, one is naturally the market pushing towards trying to sign him with multiple suitors – Manchester United fans shouldn’t be surprised by that.
“One of the reasons they did all the leg work during the final weeks of the window was to put them in the strongest position because I do think they’ll be moving for Carlos Baleba. You don’t commit to what would’ve been £100million plus spend and walk away because there will be a point in 12 months when that player is for sale.
“The second aspect is price, even though, many may feel that £100m is a lot of money and may get the deal done, Brighton’s data and approach is to think this is a player that may be a Moises Caicedo-type fee, £115m or more, in 12 months time. That projection of value priced Baleba out of the market and stopped anyone bidding because Brighton felt that no one is going to match the valuation from a year’s time and therefore, the player is not for sale.”
He added: “If Manchester United want Carlos Baleba, they don’t have to worry about Liverpool or anyone else, they need to worry about finding £100m plus or even closer to £115m to £120m, hoping Brighton want to sell.
“Will they be head-to-head with Liverpool? We’ll have to wait and see, I think Liverpool will be more inclined to go for a Morgan Rogers-type player, if it isn’t Liverpool, there will be other suitors and Brighton will think there’s more suitors and his price will go up but also his form, adds to the valuation as well. Man United and senior midfielders, I think there is a strong possibility that two come in.
“Could it be Baleba and Wharton or two other midfielders? Absolutely. First of all, Casemiro could leave, Bruno Fernandes could go to Saudi Arabia and third of all because there is a question mark over the future of Kobbie Mainoo.”
The MEN says: United’s midfield is in need of a refresh and it does feel like Amorim neglected the opportunity to bolster options during this summer’s spending spree. That being said, the chance to improve the forward-line was too great after last season’s problems in front of goals. January, or more likely, the summer transfer window are two crucial chances for the club to add quality that will see them compete with England and Europe’s elite.
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Juventus keen to keep Gleison Bremer
According to Tutto Juve, Juventus defender Gleison Bremer is a target of both United and Liverpool but the club have no intention of selling.
The Brazilian stopper is deemed a crucial part of the squad in Turin as the Italian giants look to re-establish themselves at the Serie A summit once again.
In the report, it has been suggested that Liverpool are tracking the defender as a candidate to improve their defensive capabilities with their pursuit of Marc Guehi uncertain. United are mentioned in the article and deemed competitors to Liverpool.
Gleison Bremer of Juventus has been linked with both Manchester United and Liverpool(Image: Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
MEN says: United’s backline has been a fiercely debated topic in recent seasons and this campaign is no different after their start. It’s always the best practice to treat reports of this nature with care due to the fact Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni looks set for an extended period on the sidelines due to injury and that United may be used in the report to boost the noise around it.
Bremer has been linked with United in the past and reports recently have suggested that they remain keen on his signature but at 28 – 29 by the end of the season – there will be questions surrounding whether his profile fits the transfer strategy.