Manchester United manager Michael Carrick remains focused on strengthening his squad ahead of the transfer deadline on September 1. The club have submitted a bid worth up to £65m for Brighton star Carlos Baleba as part of a midfield overhaul, which would make him the third midfielder to head to Old Trafford this summer, following the completion of moves for Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
The 22-year-old midfielder would become the team's most expensive signing of the window so far. However, Carrick's side are set to recoup some of their transfer outlay through a sell-on clause expected to be activated this summer.
Michael Carrick to Get Transfer Gift
United are set to receive an unexpected gift in the transfer window, with former defender Willy Kambwala all set to leave Villarreal. The 21-year-old made 10 appearances for United before joining the Spanish club in 2024.
According to the Manchester Evening News, United included a "sizeable" sell-on fee when dealing with Villarreal two years ago. Italian club Como are claimed to be leading the race for Kambwala's signature, while La Liga club Osasuna have also shown interest. The situation means United will receive a small sum when Kambwala leaves Villarreal, as he is not expected to command a significant fee, which reduces the amount heading back to Old Trafford. The defender has made 23 total appearances since leaving United, with injury limiting his minutes last season.
With United set to benefit from the sell-on fee in Kambwala's deal, the club have recently included the same clause when selling academy stars this summer. Tyler Fredricson's move to Lausanne-Sport also included a "high percentage" sell-on fee, with a similar clause inserted in Radek Vitek's switch to Middlesbrough.
Man Utd Set for Double Deal
Elsewhere, United are reportedly set to lose academy prospects James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye to Arsenal. Winger Scanlon, 19, spent part of last season with Swindon Town, while defender Ogunneye, 20, was loaned to Newport County until returning in January.
The Evening Standard reports that Scanlon is a serious target for the Gunners, who have focused on snapping up several young prospects this summer. It is claimed that further talks with United are planned over the Gibraltar international, with personal terms not expected to cause any issues. It is added that Arsenal are closing in on a free transfer for Ogunneye, who was reportedly set to undergo his medical on Thursday, with United retaining a 40 per cent sell-on clause. The defender is set to join the Gunners' Under-21 side and will also be given chances to train with the first team.
