Manchester United must strongly consider signing Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba.

The Red Devils are actively searching for a new holding midfielder to fill the void that will be left by Casemiro, who is set to depart the club at the end of the month.

Elliot Anderson is their prime target but he appears closer to a move to Manchester City.

INEOS would have loved to recruit Real Madrid powerhouse midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.

They were widely tipped to table an offer but may have to change their plans now.

New Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is determined to keep Tchouameni and views him as a cornerstone of his long-term project.

Tchouameni was recently involved in a dressing room altercation with Federico Valverde, which raised doubts over his future.

However, Mourinho sees the 26-year-old as the perfect midfield shield for a team built on defensive solidity.

With obstacles emerging in their pursuits of both Anderson and Tchouameni, INEOS should now accelerate efforts to secure the signature of Carlos Baleba.

The 22-year-old is a natural defensive midfielder who thrives on breaking up play and winning duels.

He offers dynamic presence in midfield and has the ability to cover enormous ground with relentless intensity.

The Cameroon international has added significant physical strength over the past year without sacrificing any of his mobility.

He is an incredibly gifted ball-carrier. Once he gathers momentum, very few players possess the speed or power required to stop him.

He could form a dream midfield partnership with Kobbie Mainoo.

Baleba could do all the dirty work in midfield, allowing Mainoo the freedom to play forward passes and also join the attack.

United reportedly value the midfielder at around £50 million, but Brighton are expected to demand a fee in the region of £80m-£100m.

Meeting anything close to Brighton’s asking price would represent a significant financial gamble.

Baleba remains a hugely exciting talent with enormous potential, but his current level may not yet justify a nine-figure investment.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United have added Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru to their shortlist for the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The Red Devils are planning to reinforce their midfield with multiple signings. Casemiro will depart on a free transfer when his contract expires on June 30.

Manuel Ugarte’s future is also uncertain, and the club are actively looking to offload him.

United have already reached an agreement to land Atalanta midfielder Ederson, but they could make two more additions to the squad in the coming weeks.

A marquee signing could be targeted next, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes among the top choices.

A third midfielder could be signed for a relatively affordable transfer fee, and Sky Sports claim that Dele-Bashiru is on the club’s shortlist for the transfer window.

The former Sheffield Wednesday man has two years left on his Lazio deal. He is happy in Italy, but sources believe he would be open to a Premier League move.

Dele-Bashiru speculation could be agent-driven

Dele-Bashiru graduated through the youth system at Manchester City before spending time at Sheffield Wednesday, who were primarily in League One at the time.

After a short stint with Hatayspor in Turkey, Dele-Bashiru joined Lazio, where he has spent the last two seasons. He has made 57 appearances, contributing seven goals and four assists.

The Nigerian ace has averaged just 51 minutes per appearance for the Serie A outfit, and we are not convinced that he would be a good acquisition for the Red Devils this summer.

Comparing last season (via DataMB), Dele-Bashiru ranked in the 91st percentile for forward passing accuracy, but struggled when it came to winning duels or possession.

His notable weaknesses mean he won’t suit the Red Devils. The speculation could be agent-driven with plans to pursue a move to the English top-flight ahead of next season.

If United are eyeing a cost-effective midfield signing, they should look into a deal for Southampton’s Shea Charles, who could be signed for £20 million. He had a sublime outing for Northern Ireland against France recently and showed why he could secure a Premier League transfer.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & DataMB.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .

Manchester United may need to abandon hopes of completing one of their dream transfers this summer.

INEOS have made midfield reinforcements a top priority, much like they transformed the attack with the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko last summer.

Elliot Anderson emerged as their leading candidate to replace Casemiro at the base of midfield.

The England international is one of the most sought-after young midfielders in Europe and is rapidly moving beyond United’s financial reach.

Manchester City made an astonishing bid of £120 million including add-ons earlier today for the England international.

However, Nottingham Forest have turned down the approach.

They remain adamant about receiving a fixed fee that would eclipse the £125m British-record fee Liverpool paid Newcastle United for Alexander Isak last summer.

INEOS have no intention of matching such extraordinary demands and would rather spread that investment across multiple players.

There is little doubt that Anderson possesses the talent to emulate the impact Declan Rice has made at Arsenal.

However, Forest are demanding an outrageous fee and committing £125m to a single midfielder would represent a huge gamble.

The Red Devils also retain a strong interest in West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes.

Carlos Baleba and Alex Scott also remain firmly on the club’s radar. Both players are highly valued by their respective clubs, meaning negotiations would likely begin at around £80m.

Adam Wharton is another youngster who could elevate their midfield but United are yet to enter into talks with Crystal Palace.

Anderson would have been an ideal partner to unlock the very best of Kobbie Mainoo in the centre of the park.

However, the current financial landscape makes it increasingly difficult for United to justify breaking the bank for the Forest star.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United are showing interest in signing Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo this summer, according to Sky Sports.

The Red Devils are preparing for a busy transfer window, and they have already secured an agreement for a new midfielder.

United have a verbal deal in place with Atalanta for Ederson, and the Brazilian is expected to join the club after the World Cup.

Sky Sports now reveal that the Red Devils are showing interest in Fernandez-Pardo, who was a surprise selection in Belgium’s World Cup squad.

The 21-year-old, who can play up front or on the wings, could be signed if Joshua Zirkzee were to head for the exit door this summer.

United could sign Fernandez-Pardo for the right price

The Red Devils currently have Benjamin Sesko as their regular striker upfront.

Manager Michael Carrick has preferred to play Bryan Mbeumo as a makeshift number nine when Sesko has been injured or left out.

Zirkzee rarely got a regular run in the starting XI under Carrick, and there is a possibility he could move on for more playing time next season.

This could open the door for United to land Fernandez-Pardo, who notched up eight goals and seven assists in all competitions for Lille last term.

The Belgian is predominantly a centre-forward but has been successful as a left winger too, due to his explosive pace and relatively strong physique.

United are eyeing another solution alongside Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu on the left wing, and Fernandez-Pardo would be a good backup.

The big stumbling block could be the price tag. The striker is valued at £26 million by Transfermarkt, but Lille are looking for an eye-watering £60m.

The Red Devils are unlikely to make such a huge outlay, and Lille will have to lower their demands. A deal could be done for £40m, including add-ons.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .

Manchester United may turn to their academy to add a midfielder to their first team next season.

It was officially announced earlier today that Casemiro will leave the club after his contract expires at the end of this month.

Manuel Ugarte could also be moved on this summer after an underwhelming spell that has failed to convince the coaching staff.

While Ederson is closing in on a switch to Manchester United, INEOS are expected to recruit at least one more midfielder before the transfer window shuts.

According to Sky Sports, Tyler Fletcher is expected to be more involved with the United first team next season.

The teenager made his senior debut for the Red Devils last campaign, coming off the bench against Tottenham Hotspur.

He produced another superb performance in the final game of the season against Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 19-year-old made his international debut for Scotland last month and received a World Cup call-up from manager Steve Clarke.

It has been a remarkable rise for Fletcher and a proud moment for his footballing family.

After being named United’s Under-21 Player of the Year, he now appears well-positioned to secure a permanent place in the senior squad.

Fletcher is a defensive midfielder by trade and has significantly improved his understanding of the game.

He is a technically sound youngster and possesses a very safe first touch of the ball.

He stands at just over six feet and uses his physical frame to evade pressure.

United head coach Michael Carrick could prove to be the ideal mentor to accelerate the development of the highly-rated prospect.

Fletcher could be used as a rotational option in defensive midfield, and he has the potential to make a meaningful impact across multiple competitions next season.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United have stepped up their youth recruitment under INEOS, signing several players from across the globe.

United have also not been reluctant to poach from Premier League rivals. They signed Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven from Arsenal.

United are now preparing to sign another youngster from a domestic rival in an attempt to bolster their youth ranks.

The Secret Scout claims that they are exploring a move for Liverpool winger Isaac Konde.

Konde has emerged as a ‘key target’ and United have held discussions with his representatives over a potential move.

The Red Devils also tried to sign highly-rated Liverpool forward Josh Abe, who has now committed his long-term future to the Merseyside giants.

Konde predominantly played for the Reds’ U16s last season, before making his debut for the U18s in a league game against Middlesbrough in February.

Described as ‘quick‘ by Liverpool youth reporter Lewis Bower, Konde made six appearances in the U18 Premier League last season, chipping in with one assist.

It now remains to be seen whether the English forward will see a move to United as the right step for his development.

Konde will likely join United U18s if a deal is completed, providing coach Darren Fletcher with more attacking threats heading into the new season.

He could get more playing time with several players potentially getting promoted to the U21s, including last season’s top scorer JJ Gabriel.

Fletcher’s side endured a difficult end to the last campaign, losing the league and the FA Youth Cup to Manchester City.

They were also beaten on penalties by Crystal Palace in the U18 Premier League Cup, ending the season trophyless.

Article written by Henry Thornton .

Manchester United have finally confirmed one of their worst-kept secrets.

The Red Devils have officially announced on their website that Jadon Sancho will leave Old Trafford at the end of this month.

Tyrell Malacia and Casemiro will also follow him through the exit door as their contracts expire this summer.

Sancho arrived at Old Trafford amid huge excitement following a transfer saga that dominated headlines in 2021.

After pursuing the winger for almost two years, United finally secured his signature from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth £73 million.

It was hailed as a statement signing, with supporters believing Sancho could help restore the club to the summit of English and European football.

Five years later, it is difficult to view his move as anything other than one of the most disappointing transfers in United’s history.

Several high-profile signings, including Antony, Alexis Sanchez and Angel Di Maria, struggled to make their mark at the club, but Sancho’s story may be the most frustrating of them all.

The England international departs with a return of just 12 goals and six assists from 83 appearances.

Former manager Erik ten Hag showed tremendous faith in Sancho and even granted him time away from football to focus on his physical and mental wellbeing.

Despite that support, the winger failed to rediscover his best form and was subsequently loaned out to Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and, most recently, Aston Villa.

His struggles extended beyond the pitch, with his public comments about the club damaging his relationship with the fanbase.

Sancho is not the only player heading for the exit, with academy prospects Sonny Aljofree, James Bailey and Malachi Sharpe also being released.

Dermot Mee has been offered a new contract after establishing himself as a valuable figure within the first-team training environment over recent years.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United are likely to pursue a new left-back during the summer transfer window.

Luke Shaw is presently the regular choice for the role under manager Michael Carrick, but United need a solid competitor, given the Englishman’s injury record.

Patrick Dorgu is a solution for the Red Devils, but it has been reported that the club consider him a competitor to Matheus Cunha on the left wing instead.

Hence, a top-quality left-back could be signed, and we believe United should seek a reunion with Alvaro Carreras amid his uncertain situation at Real Madrid.

Incoming Los Blancos manager Jose Mourinho wants a more defensively minded left-back and has urged the club to sign either Riccardo Calafiori or Josko Gvardiol.

If the Portuguese tactician were to get his wish, it could open the door for Carreras’ potential exit, given he could struggle for regular playing time next season.

The former United defender was a regular under ex-Madrid manager Xabi Alonso during the first half of last season, but lost his place under interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa.

Towards the end of the campaign, he was a regular unused substitute with Ferland Mendy (injured) and Fran Garcia preferred on the left side of Madrid’s backline.

If Madrid were to sign Calafiori or Gvardiol, it could open the door for Carreras’ exit, as Los Blancos may want to recoup the investment made for a new left-back.

Carreras was signed from Benfica for £43 million, and a similar fee could be agreed for his exit.

Carreras could become available for a summer transfer

The Spanish ace became the third-choice left-back for Madrid during the final weeks of last season as he was behind Mendy and Garcia in the pecking order.

Mendy has been ruled out for most of the year with a fresh injury, but Carreras could find himself in a similar position if Calafiori or Gvardiol were to join Madrid.

In our view, United should consider a reunion with their graduate, who could be a good deputy behind Luke Shaw before establishing himself as a regular in the long run.

The 23-year-old never got his chance at United under former manager Erik ten Hag. He was loaned out to Preston North End, Granada and Benfica before joining the latter permanently.

United had the option to re-sign him with a low buy clause last summer, but ex-manager Ruben Amorim passed on the opportunity, having signed Dorgu at the start of the year.

Dorgu is primarily a left-back but has been vulnerable with his positioning in the role. He looks more adept playing as a winger and scored some memorable goals last term.

His future could be higher up the pitch. We would love Carreras to return, given he is a strong ball-playing left-back and has impressed with his creativity higher up the pitch.

Carreras completed 91 percent of his passes in La Liga last campaign. He won four duels per game with six recoveries and almost two tackles. He made two clearances per outing.

The left-back also chipped in with five goal contributions in the league. Shaw stayed unscathed and started every league match for United last season, but his injury record is a cause for concern.

The Southampton graduate has often been sidelined when subjected to a heavier workload. With United back in the Champions League next term, they could play over 60 matches with a strong run in every competition.

Shaw will need to be rotated regularly with another top-notch left-back. Carreras would be a perfect acquisition, but the big question remains whether he would consider a reunion if the opportunity arises.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .

Manchester United have identified Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson as the ‘number one target’ to partner Kobbie Mainoo next season, according to The Athletic.

The Red Devils are expected to be busy in the summer transfer window, with a prime focus on the midfield. Casemiro will leave United when his contract expires on June 30.

Manuel Ugarte has also been put up for sale. Hence, United are likely to sign more than one midfielder. Atalanta star Ederson has already been confirmed as one of those.

Anderson continues to be rated highly by United’s executives, and The Athletic claim that he would be the ‘number one target’ to accompany Mainoo in the heart of the midfield.

The club are still optimistic they can beat Manchester City to the player’s signature, but Forest’s asking price is considered ‘too high’, as of now.

Forest have turned down £80m from the Cityzens for the 23-year-old, and want to eclipse the £105m deal Arsenal agreed with West Ham United for Declan Rice in 2023.

Anderson would be a sublime signing for United

The 23-year-old has developed into one of the most sought-after midfielders in European football.

He had a brilliant 2025/26 campaign with the Tricky Trees despite them finishing 16th in the Premier League. Anderson won an average of eight duels and three tackles per outing with eight recoveries.

The Newcastle United graduate was superb with the ball at his feet, completing 54 passes with an accuracy of 86 percent. He also chipped in with four goals and four assists in the league.

Anderson would be a perfect candidate to replace Casemiro and would obviously start ahead of Ederson. The big question remains whether United will show the ambition to match Man City in the pursuit.

Forest are set to demand a premium transfer fee, having avoided relegation. Anderson could enhance his reputation further if he were to star for England at the upcoming World Cup in North America.

Hence, the Tricky Trees are in a strong position to negotiate. United have the financial capacity to make a huge outlay of £105m or more, but the main challenge remains persuading the young midfielder.

In our view, United should try their utmost to land his signature. The Englishman would be a statement signing and provide an upgrade on Casemiro, with his extra intensity, mobility and ball distribution.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .

Manchester United are continuing their aggressive midfield rebuild after reportedly reaching a full agreement to sign Atalanta star Ederson.

The Brazilian is expected to become the first major arrival of the Michael Carrick era, but INEOS are far from finished in the transfer market.

United are understood to be targeting two more midfield additions before the window closes.

One player who remains firmly on their radar is Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott.

They have already held talks to understand the total financial package required to sign the young Englishman.

According to The Athletic, Man United feel they have a chance to strike an agreement closer to £60 million this summer.

Bournemouth have no intention to sell the midfielder. Their preference is to tie Scott down to a new long-term contract instead.

The South Coast club are reportedly prepared to include a release clause worth around £75 million in any fresh agreement.

INEOS must remain disciplined

Casemiro will officially leave the club after his contract expires at the end of this month.

Manuel Ugarte could be offloaded after a turbulent 24-month spell at Old Trafford.

Ederson appears set to become the first piece of the puzzle as United attempt to reshape the heart of their midfield.

Scott developed rapidly under former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, whose high-intensity style helped unlock his potential.

The 22-year-old plays as a holding midfielder but possesses the ability to drive forward with the ball at his feet.

The data suggests Scott currently outperforms Kobbie Mainoo in regaining possession.

However, the United academy graduate remains comfortably superior when it comes to progressive passing.

The Red Devils must be extremely careful not to overpay if Bournemouth continue to play hardball in negotiations.

Mateus Fernandes may ultimately represent the more attractive long-term investment.

The West Ham midfielder looks more complete at this stage of his development and arguably possesses a higher ceiling.

West Ham United want £80m to offload Fernandes but United believe that valuation could fall significantly later in the transfer window.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .