The search for further midfield reinforcements is paused a little at the moment, with United waiting to see how the Elliot Anderson situation develops, while West Ham and Brighton continue to price Mateus Fernandes and Carlos Baleba out of moves.
The question might be whether either player is willing to try and force a move and get their current club to bend. Fernandes has options and looks certain to leave the London Stadium, but nobody will pay £85million.
Baleba wanted Old Trafford last summer and he does again now, but Brighton’s asking price remains too high for United. Maybe Baleba could do what his international teammate Bryan Mbeumo did, and try and force Brighton’s hand? Mbeumo made it clear he only wanted to sign for United.
It’s a risky strategy, but it might need to be used during the summer.
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