Manchester United's hopes of securing their top summer target, Carlos Baleba, have been dealt a crushing blow. The Red Devils were prepared to splash a staggering £120 million to land the highly sought-after midfielder, but his current club has firmly shut the door on negotiations.
According to reports, the European giants have made it clear they have no intention of parting ways with Baleba this summer, leaving United in a desperate scramble to find an alternative before the transfer window slams shut.
Deadline Day Drama for Ten Hag
Erik ten Hag had identified Baleba as the missing piece in his midfield puzzle, but with time running out, the Dutchman may have to settle for a Plan B. The club's hierarchy had been confident of securing the deal, but the player's current employers have remained resolute in their stance.
This setback comes as a major disappointment for United fans, who had been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the dynamic midfielder. Baleba's energy, technical ability, and eye for goal had made him the perfect candidate to revitalise United's engine room.
What Next for the Red Devils?
With the clock ticking, United's recruitment team faces a race against time to identify and secure an alternative target. The club's inability to land their primary objective raises questions about their transfer strategy and negotiation tactics.
This latest development adds to what has been a frustrating summer for United in the transfer market, with several high-profile targets slipping through their fingers. As deadline day approaches, the pressure is mounting on Ten Hag and his recruitment team to deliver reinforcements that can propel the club back into title contention.
