Manchester United could complete up to six transfers this week, with Carlos Baleba set to become Michael Carrick's fourth summer signing in a deal worth £65m plus £5m in add-ons. The moves come after the Reds fell to a disappointing 2-0 opening-day defeat against newly-promoted Hull City, with Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy on the scoresheet.
Carrick insisted he won't let the loss "knock" the team, saying: "Some of it was OK, there's bits to improve on. It was never going to be perfect, but going behind and giving ourselves a lot to do makes it more difficult." He added: "It was a typical one of those games, with a newly-promoted team at home. You can't give them much, they've got a lot to hold on to. After that, we had moments and opportunities but we didn't have the spark to put the chances away or create any more. We're bitterly disappointed with the result, but we won't let it knock us."
Baleba deal close, Balde targeted
United's opening offer to Brighton of £60m was rejected, but the Seagulls have now accepted an improved bid. It is understood that the club is delighted with the deal struck after Brighton initially demanded more than £100m last summer, when United first registered an interest. Baleba will join Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santas as midfield reinforcements, with Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount already at Carrick's disposal.
Alejandro Balde could be a more viable option at left-back after Newcastle shut the door on Lewis Hall. United were keen on the Magpies defender, but his club has given a firm no to allowing him to leave this summer. Balde has been touted as another alternative after Spanish outlet Jijantes claims the defender wants a new challenge. The 22-year-old's agent, Jorge Mendes, is working to find him a new team before the window shuts. Balde was left out of the matchday squad against Elche on Sunday amid the links.
Page pursuit and potential exits
United have joined Arsenal in pursuing Leicester City starlet Louis Page, with both seeing their bids for the 18-year-old rejected. The Sun reports that the Foxes were quick to turn down the offers, as Russell Martin confirms that no other movement has occurred. He said: "No all quiet. A lot of talks, discussions and enquiries. I told you we turned down a bid for Louis Page, but there’s been nothing official since then." Page is valued at around £10m.
Joshua Zirkzee could depart Old Trafford this summer, with the striker attracting interest from Juventus and Aston Villa. The Reds value him at around £40m. The Sun claims that Villa's interest comes amid uncertainty over Ollie Watkins' future, while reports in Italy suggest Juve has sounded out a potential deal for Zirkzee, seen as an alternative to their main target, Randal Kolo Muani.
United could also move on two academy graduates this summer, with a permanent exit being considered for Harry Amass. BBC Sport reports that the club are debating a £7m deal for the 19-year-old after he returned early from a loan at Norwich last season. Toby Collyer is reportedly attracting interest from Hull City, with United convinced they could secure a sizeable fee for the midfielder.
