Manchester United are bracing themselves for a hectic conclusion to the summer transfer window. Manager Michael Carrick remains firmly focused on bolstering his squad ahead of the deadline day on September 1.
United have tabled a bid worth up to £65 million for Brighton star Carlos Baleba as part of a wholesale midfield shake-up at the club. He would become the third midfielder to arrive at Old Trafford this summer, following the completed signings of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. The 22-year-old would become the club's most costly arrival of the window to date. However, Carrick's men are set to claw back a portion of their transfer expenditure through a sell-on clause expected to be triggered.
INEOS Receive Baleba Boost
As they look to agree a fee for Baleba that will surpass £65m, United look set to pocket an unexpected windfall, with former defender Willy Kambwala poised to depart Villarreal. The 21-year-old made 10 appearances for United before sealing a move to the Spanish club in 2024. The Red Devils inserted a "sizeable" sell-on fee into the deal struck with Villarreal two years ago.
Italian outfit Como are said to be frontrunners for Kambwala's signature, while La Liga side Osasuna have also registered their interest. United will only collect a modest sum when Kambwala departs Villarreal, as he is not expected to command a substantial fee. The defender has featured 23 times since his United exit, with injury restricting his game time last season.
With United poised to profit from the sell-on clause in Kambwala's agreement, the club have recently incorporated the same provision when offloading academy talents this summer. Tyler Fredricson's transfer to Lausanne-Sport also featured a "high percentage" sell-on fee, with a comparable clause included in Radek Vitek's move to Middlesbrough.
Medicals Booked
United are reportedly preparing to lose academy prospects James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye to Arsenal. Winger Scanlon, 19, spent a portion of last season with Swindon Town, while defender Ogunneye, 20, was loaned to Newport County before returning in January.
The Evening Standard reports that Scanlon represents a serious target for the Gunners, who have concentrated on securing several young prospects this summer. It is suggested that additional discussions with United are scheduled over the Gibraltar international, with personal terms not anticipated to present any obstacles.
Arsenal are said to be on the verge of securing a free transfer for Ogunneye, with the youngster reportedly due to undergo his medical on Thursday, while United retain a 40 per cent sell-on clause. The defender is expected to link up with the Gunners' Under-21 squad and will also be afforded opportunities to train alongside the first team.
