Manchester United face a potentially busy end to the summer transfer window as Michael Carrick looks to strengthen his squad. The United boss is looking to improve upon the team that finished in the Champions League places last term.
Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos have already arrived at Old Trafford as part of the club’s focus on a midfield rebuild. However, Carrick’s side have continually been linked with a third addition to the engine room.
Myles Lewis-Skelly Transfer Boost
Arsenal CEO Richard Garlick has refused to rule out the possibility of selling Myles Lewis-Skelly this summer. It was recently reported that the Gunners had offered the 19-year-old, who can play at left-back and in midfield, to United and Chelsea, following Bruno Guimaraes’ arrival from Newcastle.
"There's been a lot of speculation around players," Garlick said when asked about Lewis-Skelly and fellow Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri. "I can't stop other clubs being interested."
"I think Myles has had a fantastic end to last season and has started this one really well - we're very, very happy with him. Ethan has had a great pre-season as well and I think it's just a case of looking at what opportunities there are that will help both of those in terms of their career moving forward."
"We are not actively looking at selling those homegrown players but if the right opportunity came up - right for them and the club - we'd obviously consider that."
Man Utd Close in on £60m Deal
United have made an initial £60million offer for Carlos Baleba, with a possible £5m in add-ons. Carrick has been keen to add a third midfielder to his squad as the club continue to revamp a key area of the team.
The Athletic reports that the two clubs are “closing in” on a deal for Baleba, despite the bid falling below Brighton’s valuation. Talks are claimed to be ongoing as the two clubs seek to reach an agreement over the midfielder.
It means that Baleba could eventually arrive at Old Trafford, a year on from the club’s pursuit last summer. The Cameroon international is currently recovering from an ankle ligament injury, though the issue is not expected to keep him sidelined long-term.
Discussing United’s pursuit of Baleba last season, Brighton owner Tony Bloom previously said: "There was interest from Manchester United, and we said that he wasn't available this summer and they went away. So we've had many bigger sagas in the past. But Carlos Baleba, his improvement has been immense. Massively important player to this football club, and just delighted that he's with us for this season."
