- Manchester United get Carlos Baleba boost
- Marcus Rashford’s stance over Old Trafford return
- Ederson could arrive as Manuel Ugarte replacement
Manchester United are already busy preparing for this summer’s transfer business and there are moves being made by the transfer chiefs. Replacing Casemiro remains the top priority but it might not be just the Brazilian who departs.
Manuel Ugarte’s future is in doubt amid a poor spell at Old Trafford. If the Uruguayan were also to leave, it would further highlight the need for at least two new central midfielders.
INEOS appear to be addressing this as they are targeting plenty of midfielders. The latest to emerge as a possible option is Atalanta’s Ederson.
United a Baleba?
Carlos Baleba was heavily linked with a move to United last summer, but the club decided not to pursue him due to Brighton & Hove Albion’s not-for-sale stance. The Cameroonian has struggled this season, perhaps as a result of the noise surrounding speculation.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Baleba “still wants to join United” and that the Seagulls are more open to a sale this summer. The issue is the financial aspect of a possible deal, as the Reds feel a £50m fee is more reasonable.
Brighton are always tough negotiators and will make life difficult for INEOS. But Baleba does look like the most likely arrival among the midfielders on the club’s shortlist.
Rashford Wants Barcelona
The future of Marcus Rashford remains uncertain as he heads into the final month of his loan spell at Barcelona. The English forward was exiled from the United first-team under former head coach Ruben Amorim.
Recent reports have suggested that Barca have cooled their interest in exercising the £26m buy option in the loan agreement. But Romano insists the 28-year-old wants to stay at Camp Nou and is confident he can prove the Catalans right in deciding to sign him permanently.
Rashford has appeared 45 times across competitions, posting 13 goals and as many assists. He is close to winning the La Liga title with Hansi Flick’s Blaugrana.
Ugarte Out, Ederson In?
United are believed to be in a three-horse race with Arsenal and Atletico Madrid for Atalanta midfielder Ederson. The Brazilian is a long-term target and has been identified as a possible option to bolster the midfield.
Atletico have agreed on personal terms with the 26-year-old but have yet to agree on a fee with the Serie A club. That has paved the way for the Red Devils and the Gunners to plot a move for the player as well.
Should Ederson arrive at United, it could see Ugarte make way, and Romano has confirmed he is expected to leave this summer. It just hasn’t happened for the former PSG man who cost £50m.
