Manchester United are growing in confidence that they will finally be able to sign their long-term target Carlos Baleba this summer, according to reports.
The Cameroonian midfielder was targeted by the Old Trafford side last summer but ended up staying, as United refused to meet Brighton’s demands of around £115m.
United are targeting a new holding midfielder as part of their plans to rebuild their options in the middle of the park amid the impending departure of veteran Casemiro.
United reportedly sense that a potential transfer fee is now closer to their internal valuation, after they were around £50m short of Brighton’s demands last summer.
Baleba’s difficult season at the Amex Stadium has certainly not helped his stock, with the Cameroonian failing to nail down a regular spot in manager Fabian Hurzeler’s starting line-up.
The 22-year-old midfielder was left on the bench for Brighton’s wins over Liverpool and Burnley, and started just once in their last six league games.
Earlier in the season, Hurzeler admitted Baleba’s difficult campaign may be a consequence of interest from United last summer.
GMS sources understand that United seriously pushed for the Cameroonian’s arrival and have managed to secure an agreement over personal terms.
Since then, little has changed regarding the situation, with Baleba – praised as ‘better than Moises Caicedo’ – still keen on a move to Old Trafford despite a season full of struggles on the south coast.
Man Utd Must Seal Baleba Deal
United’s long-standing interest in Baleba is hardly surprising, given the Cameroonian fits what the Red Devils are currently missing in midfield.
The 22-year-old is a high-energy, ball-winning midfielder who can cover ground and press aggressively. He also has the physicality to cope with the demands of the Premier League and is already settled in England.
Given United are facing strong competition from rivals Manchester City for their primary midfield target Elliot Anderson, while Newcastle are expected to play hardball over Sandro Tonali, a move for Baleba could also make financial sense.
Brighton are likely to soften their demands after the season as they will be in a weaker negotiating position, with the Cameroonian entering the final two years of his contract.
Tottenham, meanwhile, will need to strengthen their squad following back-to-back 17th-placed finishes in the Premier League, with new head coach Roberto De Zerbi looking to make quick moves in the window to put together a group he thinks can challenge towards the top of the table, rather than the bottom.
Alex Scott enjoyed a fine season for Bournemouth
World Cup – UEFA Qualifiers – England Press Conference – Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre, London, Britain – November 11, 2025 England’s Alex Scott during the press conference Pool via REUTERS/Bradley Collyer
The 22-year-old was a regular starter under Andoni Iraola, only missing the final game of the season, named in the starting lineup for 34 of the 37 other matches in the Premier League. He scored three goals – with another coming in the FA Cup – and made one assist, picking up the Supporters’ Player of the Year award.
GIVEMESPORT senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs said last month: “Tottenham are one of the clubs looking at Bournemouth’s Alex Scott.
“He’s on Manchester United’s radar too, but once again, as I’ve said many times, Bournemouth are calm about that situation and are hoping to offer Scott a new deal.”
However, as time has moved on, it may be that Scott is now available to complete a move away from the Vitality Stadium this summer, with a report from the Athletic stating that “an extension is seen as unlikely”.
How much Bournemouth will demand to sell Scott
Alex Scott
The Athletic report goes on to state that United have made inquiries as to the cost of a deal, with Scott having just two years left to run on his current deal on the south coast. It is thought Bournemouth would demand around £60million to even consider selling the midfielder who has been described as “elite” by Nigel Pearson, who was his manager at Bristol City before moving to Bournemouth.
Pearson said: “He’s a unique talent. I’ve heard him compared to lots of players, but Alex is just a top-class young player who has a very level head. He will go on to play for England, I have absolutely no doubt about that. He is destination elite.”
Spurs may hold an advantage over United, should they look to pursue a move, given Scott grew up as a Tottenham fan.
Speaking after scoring against Arsenal, he said: “Yes, I support Tottenham, though that doesn’t have much to do with today. But growing up as a kid, it was definitely a dream for me [to score against Arsenal]. Bournemouth are my team at the minute but I was a Tottenham fan growing up, so as a kid growing up, I would have been really happy with that.”
Kate Mason is joined by Ben Jacobs for a live edition of Market Madness, breaking down the latest chaos in the transfer market and all the biggest stories from across football.
Journalist, author and host of The Athletic’s Walk On podcast, Tony Evans, joins live to discuss a huge summer at Liverpool, including:
– Arne Slot’s departure — the right call or too soon?
– Andoni Iraola’s potential arrival
– Where Liverpool’s season went wrong
– Key areas to strengthen and possible transfer targets
Plus, Ben brings the latest breaking transfer news and answers your questions in his weekly mailbag.
We also hear from England legend Jill Scott ahead of her Sport Relief challenge, as she reflects on life after football and gives her thoughts on the Lionesses’ chances at the upcoming World Cup.
It’s widely understood that Spanish giants Real Madrid have agreed a contract with Jose Mourinho to become their next manager. Once this news is officially confirmed, it won’t take long before the Portuguese coach starts pushing for some key transfers.
He is set to return to the Spanish capital for the second time in his career, having left way back in 2013, after three seasons in which he won both La Liga and the Copa del Rey. Mourinho spent last season at Benfica, where he went unbeaten in the league, but only finished third.
With Madrid, the 63-year-old arrives at a club in chaos after a trophyless season saw Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa struggle to deal with the big superstars in the dressing room. Mourinho is unlikely to be concerned by the big egos in the squad. However, one of his first key transfer targets isn’t quite the usual Galactico fans might expect.
Mourinho Wants Relegated Premier League Star
One of the defining dramas of the season for Madrid last season was Aurelien Tchouameni’s dramatic clash with Fede Valverde, which saw the Uruguayan hospitalised and both men fined for their antics. If Mourinho wants to calm the dressing room, he could look to offload one.
Indeed, according to journalist Ramon Alvarez, Mourinho ‘has told’ Real Madrid that he would like the club to sign West Ham United ace Mateus Fernandes this summer. The Hammers need to sell their most valuable assets this summer after being relegated, and the midfielder is of interest to a number of clubs.
Premier League sides Arsenal and Manchester United have been strongly linked with the former Southampton star in the past few weeks, amid talk that any transfer could cost as much as £80m. Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in Fernandes.
Rodri Also Linked With Madrid Interest
It’s worth noting that even if Tchouameni stays, Dani Ceballos wants to leave and Madrid are willing to let him go. His contract expires in 2027, so an exit this summer makes sense as they could still bring in a fee for the 29-year-old.
As such, Mourinho will likely want a midfield reinforcement regardless. One other name to be linked, beyond Fernandes, is Manchester City midfielder Rodri. The Spain international, 29, is heading into the final year of his Man City contract, and it remains to be seen if he will hang around or follow Pep Guardiola out of the exit door.
Reports claim that Mourinho is ‘very keen’ on bringing Rodri to Madrid. That said, having seen their manager depart, the Premier League club will be reluctant to lose another experienced head on the pitch, with Bernardo Silva and John Stones also confirming their exits this summer.
