Manchester United are pulling away and handing over the pitch to Newcastle in the race for a transfer that could cost around £65 million. This is reported by several British media.
It has been a frustrating summer for both clubs – but for very different reasons.
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Newcastle have been stripped of stars. Three of their best players – Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães and Anthony Gordon – have all been hijacked by bigger clubs.
Manchester United, on the other hand, have no such problems. Their challenge has been to fail in the pursuit of their own transfer goals.
The Red Devils made grandiose plans for the summer. They had to renew the midfield with stars like Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes and Aurélien Tchouaméni.
But Manchester United refused to pay the staggering sums. Anderson went to Manchester City for £116 million. Fernandes went from West Ham to Tottenham for 85 million.
Read: This year’s seven most overpriced players
Another big midfield name on United’s radar has been Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.
He was Ruben Amorim’s clear first choice and INEOS thought Baleba was a perfect fit for the Portuguese’s style of play and tactical requirements.
Interest from United waned somewhat when Amorim was sacked at the turn of the year – but Baleba has still been on the list.
He is exactly the type of ball-winning midfielder United need to complement new signings Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans – neither of whom are direct successors to Casemiro.
Newcastle want Baleba – United sit out
Now, The Daily Mail reports that Newcastle have thrown themselves into the race for Baleba – despite the fact that the 22-year-old is out with an ankle injury and will miss the start of the season.
talkSPORT confirms the interest, and their transfer journalist Alex Crook believes Newcastle believe they can make the deal for around £65 million.
And most importantly, all signs indicate that Manchester United will not interfere.
“Carlos Baleba is a player who attracts attention from Newcastle,” says Crook.
“Manchester United have been interested in Baleba for several transfer windows, but it doesn’t look like they’re going ahead with their interest this time.
“Newcastle have lost both of their regular midfielders – Tonali to Tottenham for 100 million and Guimarães to Arsenal for 75 million. They have money to spend. Brighton will be tough to negotiate with, but there is talk in the northeast that they can get Baleba for around 65 million – I’m not entirely convinced about that price,” Crook adds.
Jaissle wants experience – Baleba is the perfect fit
Newcastle have already signed two midfielders this summer – Sean Steur (18) and Aladji Bamba (20). But manager Jaissle wants a more experienced option – preferably one who knows the Premier League well.
An attempt on Marseille veteran Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg failed when the Dane declined. The interest in Bayern Munich’s João Palhinha is registered, but he prefers Aston Villa. Nevertheless, Newcastle have made new contacts to persuade him, according to Fabrizio Romano.
But Baleba – even though he is only 22 – has three full Premier League seasons behind him. A total of 92 games for Brighton. He knows the Premier League, and he knows what Jaissle needs.
In short:
- United withdraw from Baleba chase
- Newcastle see their chance and prepare bid
- Brighton are expected to demand around £65 million
- Baleba has 92 Premier League appearances for Brighton
- Newcastle have lost Tonali and Guimarães – and need reinforcements
