Top News

Manchester United have suffered a double setback in their bid to bring in another midfielder, with fresh issues emerging around Carlos Baleba and Aurelien Tchouameni.

The Red Devils are aiming to build on an excellent second half of the season under Michael Carrick by backing their new head coach with further additions to the squad.

Midfield has been the key area they have strengthened so far, with Andrey Santos joining from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans arriving from Aston Villa.

Man Utd had been close to landing Ederson from Atalanta as their midfield addition this summer, but that move collapsed at the final stage because of medical concerns.

Fabrizio Romano recently disclosed that Brighton midfielder Baleba and Roma's Manu Kone are among their leading options as they search for one more midfielder before the transfer window closes.

Romano said: “Then guys, we have to mention more things, something to clarify on Man Utd. There is a difference on two profiles being linked over the recent days.

“I would say two, three profiles because Danilo from Brazil is a player who has been offered to Man Utd. It’s not a negotiation started from Man Utd.

“Manu Kone is a player that Manchester United have under consideration. Man Utd spoke to the agents of the player.

“Man Utd had concrete conversations with the agents of the player, but Man Utd are yet to reach out to Roma because they are yet to decide which player they want as defensive midfielder.

“So, Man Utd have not started an official negotiation with Roma, have not sent an official bid for Manu Kone because of what they want to do in midfield, but Danilo has been offered to Utd.

“Utd called the agent of Manu Kone, so it’s different, but yet to be a club-to-club negotiation. So, Man Utd could go for a different midfielder.

“It’s still an open story. And for example, Baleba is also a player who would be super keen on joining Manchester United.

“Already one year ago, Baleba wanted to go to Man Utd, but on this one, it’s on Man Utd to decide if they want to return in talks with Brighton or not.

“So, that’s the status around these players. That’s the status around these midfielders.”

The Athletic journalist David Ornstein has reported that Manchester United target Baleba has suffered an ankle ligament injury that could rule him out for the start of the Premier League season.

Ornstein added: ‘Baleba is expected to spend a period on the sidelines but Brighton hope the problem is not a long-term one.’

Regarding a possible move to Man Utd this summer, Ornstein said: ‘Baleba had been the subject of transfer interest from Manchester United at the end of last season, but no move has materialised for the 22-year-old. United had broadly agreed personal terms with Baleba last summer and continued to track him during the 2025-26 season, but have instead moved for Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to add to their midfield ranks.’

In another setback that followed quickly, Manchester City midfielder Rodri has now indicated that he would rather join Barcelona than Real Madrid this summer, which increases the likelihood of Manchester United target Tchouameni staying at the Bernabeu.

Trusted RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins reported on Thursday: ‘Rodri’s preference is to join Barcelona over Real Madrid, with both Manchester City and Real Madrid aware of the player’s stance. Barcelona have held a long-standing interest in the midfielder, which intensified following Frenkie de Jong’s injury.

‘The club believe Rodri would be an ideal fit for Hansi Flick’s system, while the player is understood to feel he would thrive in Barcelona’s style of play. Barcelona must now find the financial resources to make a deal possible. An offer in the region of €60–70m could be enough to satisfy Manchester City.’