Our opinion on the latest Manchester United transfer news, including updates on Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton
Jake bumped into Luke Shaw at Nando’s on his 14th birthday and told him to join Chelsea. The left-back joined Manchester United a few weeks later. Coincidence? Who knows.
Adam Wharton looks on during a Crystal Palace pre-season friendly(Image: Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim will be eager to finalise any remaining transfer business before the new Premier League season gets underway. If club chiefs up the ante, Manchester United could have a new face or two in the squad when they host Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
The Reds have invested over £200m on new players this summer, and they’ve shown no sign of slowing down ahead of the deadline on September 1. Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton continue to be linked with moves, while Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho face uncertain futures.
Amorim’s side also need to offload the likes of Jadon Sancho and Antony in the coming weeks. So, with that being said, the Manchester Evening News has rounded up the latest United transfer news.
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Baleba twist
According to The Telegraph, Brighton want ‘more than £100m’ for Baleba, who continues to be heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford. The report claims United are unwilling to pay such a fee for the 21-year-old midfielder.
It’s said that the two Premier League clubs have not spoken directly about the player enough to suggest a deal is imminent. The Telegraph reckons that the Seagulls have made no moves to sell Baleba, who played a key role in Fabian Hurzeler’s side last season.
Carlos Baleba during Brighton’s clash against Arsenal(Image: Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
The Manchester Evening News says: “It looks like United may have to take their business elsewhere unless they can offload a few players before the summer transfer window slams shut. Sales will be needed for United to get anywhere near this kind of asking price.”
United ‘plot’ Baleba backup plan
According to The Independent, United have identified Adam Wharton as an alternative to Baleba. The report claims that the Reds may try to sign the Crystal Palace midfielder if they cannot prise the Brighton ace from the Amex Stadium.
It’s said that United are long admirers of the duo. The Independent reckons that Wharton could cost even more this summer, however, with Steve Parish unwilling to do business given that the Eagles could yet lose Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze.
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The Manchester Evening News says: “United will get nowhere in the final weeks of the summer transfer window if their targets are players who are outside their price range. Of course, Jason Wilcox and Sir Jim Ratcliffe will want to negotiate the best deal possible, but the club must be realistic. “
Real Betis star comments on Antony’s future
Real Betis defender Natan hopes Antony will return to the Villamarin Stadium this summer. Speaking to Spanish outlet El Chiringuito, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News, he said: “Hopefully he can come back and be with us for another year or two.
He said: “Yes, he’s waiting and we’re all waiting. I think it’s not just me, all the Betis. I hope he comes. Let’s hope, I have hope.”
The Manchester Evening News says: “Antony clearly remains a popular figure at Real Betis. It’s a shame that United still haven’t resolved his future so late into the summer transfer window.”
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