Manchester United may have a midfielder transfer ready to go if they decide to return to an old target. It has been a frustrating search for a new midfielder for the Red Devils this summer, with Michael Carrick currently searching for a Casemiro replacement.

United have signed Ederson this summer, but it’s clear they want another midfielder, preferably one who can operate with a defensive mindset, and they have missed out on priority target Mateus Fernandes, who joined Tottenham instead.

The search goes on for now, and United do have some options, be it AFC Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba or others.

Man Utd can always return to Baleba deal

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According to GiveMeSport’s Ben Jacobs, United already have terms agreed with Brighton midfielder Baleba should they return with fresh interest, but the price point could be an issue.

“You have Carlos Baleba who’s still there. If Man United revisit that deal, the player wants Manchester United,” said Jacobs on the Market Madness podcast. “Terms were agreed with the player last summer, but it depends on if Man United want to rekindle that deal now they’ve missed out on other targets, and it’s also contingent on Brighton not turning around and saying Elliot Anderson, 116million, and so on, Mateus Fernandes, 5 million, and pointing to a number that starts with a one and has two zeros on it, because Man United’s valuation of Carlos Baleba last summer was 75million.

“That was when Baleba was peak interest, peak form, now he’s coming off the back of a less consistent season, a couple of injuries, and Manchester United, if they were to go for Baleba, would want to pay less than they were willing to pay last summer. Brighton are always tough negotiators.”

Ferdinand backs Baleba move

United legend Rio Ferdinand is a big fan of Baleba’s, saying earlier this year on TNT Sports: “Baleba is a serious talent, no doubt. He’s fearless on the ball, drives forward with confidence, and already shows maturity in how he reads danger and transitions play. What stands out is his aggression in duels and recovery speed — he wins the ball and actually does something progressive with it. That’s key in today’s Premier League.

“If you’re looking at a long-term replacement for Casemiro, Baleba makes real sense. He’s got more legs, more mobility, and fits a high-intensity system better right now. Compared to Aurélien Tchouaméni, Baleba offers more dynamism and ball-carrying in transitions. And over Anderson, he’s far more disciplined and defensively reliable. He might not have the experience yet, but profile-wise, he’s exactly what modern midfield demands.”

Fabrizio Romano has revealed the two midfielders Manchester United have high on their shortlist after missing out on Mateus Fernandes.

Tottenham Hotspur beat the Red Devils to Fernandes’ signature after paying West Ham United’s £85 million asking price up front. The Portuguese midfielder had been one of INEOS’ top midfield targets, but the club refused to match Spurs’ bid for the player.

It means United have again gone back to the drawing board after also failing to land Elliot Anderson. The England star preferred a move to Manchester City, who paid £116m to Nottingham Forest, making him the most expensive British player in history.

Romano on Man Utd midfield plans

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United have long been expected to sign at least two new midfielders this summer following Casemiro‘s departure. There had also been doubts over Manuel Ugarte’s future, although a knee ligament injury seems likely to prevent a summer transfer.

Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, has given an update on the club’s plans to overhaul Michael Carrick’s midfield. Two names are highly admired, and one is viewed as an ideal Casemiro replacement.

“The two names that Man United internally consider as fantastic options are Aurelien Tchouameni, but I told you the problem at the moment is the salary, and at the moment, no green light from Real Madrid.”

United have been eyeing Aurelien Tchouameni since the summer transfer window opened, and the French midfielder has a profile similar to Casemiro. He’s been an important player for Real Madrid over the years and even arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu for £85m after the veteran Brazilian left for Old Trafford in August 2022.

Romano added: “Alex Scott is also highly rated by Arsenal and by Manchester United. Alex Scott has many clubs around him this summer, but Bournemouth insist they want to keep the player, and they want to offer him a new contract. Let’s see if Bournemouth will be able to keep him, because one thing is to say that one thing is in the next two months resist in case they receive big proposals.”

Alex Scott enjoyed a superb past season and even earned a call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the ongoing World Cup. The former Bristol City midfielder is considered an alternative to Fernandes but United face competition from Arsenal for his signature.

Romano also mentioned that Bournemouth’s stance is currently that the Englishman isn’t leaving the Vitality Stadium. He suggested the Cherries could “open doors” for “big money” amid growing interest in their midfield gem who is thought to be valued at £80m.

United already have one new midfielder signed following Ederson’s arrival from Atalanta in a £35m deal. That said, the Brazilian isn’t viewed as a starter or a marquee signing required to address Casemiro’s exit.

Why Man Utd’s midfield mission is failing

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There are many issues that have complicated United’s midfield rebuild, including a market shift driven by astronomical fees paid for midfielders. Spurs have not only forked out £85m for Fernandes but also agreed on a staggering £100m deal with Newcastle United for Sandro Tonali.

While signing a Casemiro replacement has been a priority, doing so for such high fees wasn’t INEOS’ intention. That said, their reported stance that they only want players who are “desperate” to join the club is a strategy that won’t work this time around.

Last summer, United beat several Premier League clubs to the signings of Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha. They insisted on pursuing only players who had made Old Trafford their priority.

This mindset, while admirable, won’t always pan out, as players will often go where the money is. Tchouameni might be demanding high wages to make the move, and this is just where the sport finds itself in today’s game.

United can’t afford to miss out on the best possible Casemiro replacement who can lock down the number six position for years to come. He is still only 26 and would arrive with years of experience at club and country level.

All stats courtesy of SofaScore – correct as of 04/07/2026

Rangers will have a decision to make regarding Youssef Chermiti amid reported interest from Ligue 1 giants Lyon.

Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato reports that Lyon have set their sights on Chermiti as a possible replacement for Endrick. The Brazilian striker is headed back to Real Madrid after spending the second half of last season on loan at Groupama Stadium.

The French side have endured financial difficulties in recent years and have reportedly imposed a wage cap following a change of ownership. That means they aren’t looking to spend big on players and could turn to Chermiti to fill the void left by Endrick.

Lyon weigh up bid for Chermiti

Chermiti only arrived at Rangers from Everton in a £10m deal, and encountered a topsy-turvy debut season at Ibrox. The 22-year-old managed 15 goals and five assists in 41 games across competitions, overcoming a difficult start to life in the Scottish Premiership.

With Lyon now eyeing the Portuguese forward, the Gers may have a fight on their hands to keep hold of him. He’ll have the opportunity to play in the UEFA Champions League by switching to Les Gones.

It’s thought that the French club are considering making a €20m (£17m) offer for Chermiti, who has been handed competition for a starting berth in Derek McInnes’ frontline. Lawrence Shankland has linked up with McInnes after leaving Hearts of Midlothian, and the 30-year-old will likely lead the line next season.

Chermiti has shown glimpses of promise but not enough to suggest he is the man to fire the Gers to the Scottish Premiership title. Moving him on for a decent fee could be the right decision, especially after Shankland’s arrival.

Lyon latest Champions League club eyeing Chermiti

Chermiti isn’t the only Scottish Premiership striker on Lyon’s radar, though, as they also admire Hearts’ Claudio Braga. He caught the eye during his side’s title race, managing 14 goals and five assists in 33 league games.

The same outlet claims that discussions are ongoing between the two clubs and Hearts are holding out for €10m (£8.5m). Should the French side swoop for Braga, it could cast doubt on Chermiti joining his Portuguese compatriot at Groupama Stadium.

Other Champions League clubs have also shown interest in Chermiti, including Turkish giants Galatasaray and Eredivisie heavyweights PSV Eindhoven. There is a chance the player will still move on, even if it’s not to Lyon.

Rangers are believed to have placed a £21.5m asking price on the Portuguese star. They are looking to raise a club-record fee should he depart this summer.