Manchester United are expected to finalise a move for Carlos Baleba before turning their attention to signing a new left-back as their fifth senior summer signing. The club are back in Premier League action on Saturday lunchtime, travelling to newly promoted Hull City, with one or more of their summer signings potentially starting at the MKM Stadium.
Baleba deal close, left-back next
As MEN Sport outlined on Friday, there are still a few loose ends to tie up on the Baleba deal, but focus can soon shift elsewhere. Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos are both pushing for starts after arriving from Aston Villa and Chelsea respectively, and the pair could be joined by another new midfielder before the end of the window.
Luke Shaw remains United's first-choice at left-back, but the additional demands of Champions League football suggest the club may seek reinforcements in the short and longer-term. Lewis Hall and Jorge Salinas have both been identified as possible targets, while Alejandro Balde's name has come up in association with a United switch this week.
Unless Newcastle can be persuaded to soften their firm position on Hall, United may need to be patient regarding the former Chelsea star. If they decide to turn to other targets, one of the two Spaniards might move to the front of the queue.
Arteta ends Lewis-Skelly exit talk
Mikel Arteta has knocked Myles Lewis-Skelly exit talk on the head, claiming the England international will "100 per cent" still be at the Emirates Stadium when the transfer window closes. The remarks appear to put an end to any hopes of an Old Trafford switch after speculation United or rivals Chelsea might pounce for the teenager.
"The players that have been raised in our system, and they feel generally that love and that connection with the club, bring something else, there's no question about that," Arsenal's manager added. "We need to look after them in a really special way because they bring value that is very difficult to find."
"That's why, when we can, we want to protect those assets as much as possible, develop them and make them extremely important for the club."
Michael Carrick is now United's permanent manager, having delivered Champions League qualification during his interim spell last season. While Baleba looks like being the next new face, he might not be the last.
