Manchester United could still welcome three more players before next week's deadline, with their next two transfers reportedly decided after the impending announcement of Carlos Baleba. The Red Devils are set to confirm the Brighton midfielder as their latest addition, having targeted that position at the start of the window. Youri Tielemans arrived from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos joined from Chelsea, but United always wanted a third before the window shut.
Baleba deal and further targets
The move for Baleba is set to cost £70million, with the Old Trafford outfit having held a long-time interest in the midfielder. However, the club's hierarchy is not looking to shut up shop just yet, with reports suggesting United have two more transfers on their radar.
According to the Daily Mail, United have a left-back and a forward on their radar before next weekend's deadline. Lewis Hall has been United's priority target at left-back all summer, but it would appear the Red Devils will be priced out of a transfer, given Newcastle are demanding a world record fee for a player in that position.
Left-back alternatives and forward options
United are determined to land a left-back before the deadline, with two names emerging as the most likely alternatives: Alejandro Balde and Jorge Salinas. Balde was left out of Barcelona's matchday squad for the weekend La Liga clash against Elche. Manager Hansi Flick said post-match: "I spoke with Balde this morning and told him that I think he's not here at 100%, clear your mind and then we'll talk."
Salinas is viewed more as an option to come into the side as a squad player, with the Racing Santander ace said to have a release clause worth just over £13m. The 19-year-old has impressed with the Spanish side and was part of the Santander side that got promoted to La Liga last season.
As for a forward, it has been suggested that Ivan Toney could emerge as a candidate. Benjamin Sesko came off the bench in the defeat against Hull City but struggled to make an impact. Elsewhere, Igor Matanovic of Freiburg and Nicolo Tresoldi of Club Brugge have been mooted as possible centre-forward options. United have until 11pm on September 1 to complete all of their business.
