Manchester United are set to complete a flurry of transfer activity this week as Carlos Baleba's move from Brighton edges closer. Manager Michael Carrick is hoping to add to his squad before the transfer window closes, with the club working hard to finalise his squad for the 2026/27 season.
United have already brought in Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, while being on the verge of signing Brighton's Carlos Baleba for £70million too, but were brought back down to earth on the opening weekend. A 2-0 defeat away to newly-promoted Hull exposed several frailties within the team. The defence, anchored by Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven, was far from impressive and Carrick, with INEOS, are facing some tough questions.
Baleba deal close
Baleba is poised to become Carrick's fourth summer acquisition as United finally secure a deal for the highly coveted midfielder. The player is set to arrive for a fee of £65million plus £5m in add-ons.
United's opening proposal to Brighton of £60m was turned down, but the Seagulls have now accepted an improved offer. It is understood that the club is thrilled with the agreement reached, after Brighton initially held out for more than £100m last summer when United first expressed their interest.
Baleba will join Tielemans and Santos as midfield additions, with Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount already at Carrick's disposal.
Left-back options
Alejandro Balde could prove a more realistic target at left-back this transfer window after Newcastle closed the door on Lewis Hall. United had been keen on the Magpies defender, but his club has firmly refused to sanction his departure this summer.
Balde has emerged as another potential option at left-back after Spanish outlet Jijantes claimed the defender is seeking a fresh challenge. The 22-year-old's agent, Jorge Mendes, is working to secure him a new club before the window closes, and a switch to Old Trafford could represent his most attractive prospect.
The left-back was omitted from the matchday squad against Elche on Sunday amid speculation linking him to United. Carrick will be making a left-back a priority following the acquisition of Baleba and could move for the Spaniard this week.
Other targets and departures
United have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Leicester youngster Louis Page, with both clubs seeing their bids for the 18-year-old knocked back. The Sun reports that the Foxes were swift to reject the offers, as Russell Martin confirmed that no further developments have taken place.
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 with United now sitting in a strong position to put in another bid for the teenage sensation.
Joshua Zirkzee is one player who could leave Old Trafford this summer. The striker has drawn interest from Juventus and Aston Villa, with the Reds placing a £40m price tag on his head. Villa's reported interest stems from uncertainty surrounding Ollie Watkins' future. Italian outlets suggest that Juventus has explored a potential deal for Zirkzee, who is regarded as an alternative to their primary target, Randal Kolo Muani.
United may also look to offload two academy products this summer, with a permanent departure for Harry Amass being considered. The club are reportedly weighing up a £7m deal for the 19-year-old following his early return from a loan spell at Norwich last season. The Canaries could launch a fresh bid for the defender, or another Championship side may take a punt on the youngster. Meanwhile, Toby Collyer is said to be attracting attention from Hull, with United confident they could command a substantial fee for the midfielder.
