Michael Carrick is aiming to strengthen his Manchester United squad as the summer transfer window draws to a close, with multiple targets reportedly in the club’s sights.
The United manager is keen to build on last season’s achievement of securing Champions League qualification, and has already overseen the arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos in the centre of the park.
However, the club are expected to pursue a third midfielder addition, with Carlos Baleba from Brighton emerging as a long-term target. The Cameroon international was previously pursued during the previous transfer window and has attracted fresh interest from the 20-time English champions, who have now put forward an offer for the 22-year-old.
United have also been credited with interest in Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, a versatile teenager capable of playing at left-back or in midfield. The north London club are said to have approached United regarding the 19-year-old following Bruno Guimaraes’ arrival from Tyneside.
Arsenal chief executive Richard Garlick acknowledged the speculation surrounding the young defender when questioned about his future, stating that while the club harbour no desire to offload homegrown talent, they would not dismiss a proposal that served both the player and the organisation.
He noted that Lewis-Skelly had concluded the previous campaign strongly and begun the new season in impressive form, adding that similar considerations applied to fellow young star Ethan Nwaneri.
United have proposed an initial fee of £60million for Baleba, with an additional £5million possible through performance-related conditions. The offer is reportedly below Brighton’s valuation, though discussions are ongoing as both clubs attempt to bridge the gap.
Baleba, who sustained an ankle ligament problem recently, is not anticipated to face an extended period on the sidelines. Brighton owner Tony Bloom previously explained that the player had been unavailable during the last transfer window when United showed interest, describing him as a crucial asset to the club and expressing satisfaction at retaining his services for the current season.