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Manchester United Transfer News
Latest Manchester United transfer news and rumours as the summer window approaches its conclusion with Michael Carrick’s side linked to Lewis Hall, Gavi and more
Welcome to Manchester Evening News’ live Manchester United transfer news blog for Thursday, August 20.
The new Premier League season is now underway and Michael Carrick’s squad is taking shape. After almost two years of speculation, Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba appears poised to join Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos in United’s engine room.
The £65million addition will become the latest arrival at the club following the aforementioned midfield trio, along with Karl Darlow and youthful prospects Kit Margetson, Cristian Orozco and Tynan Thompson – with United still eager to strengthen their ranks further.
A left-back features among their main objectives with continued interest in Newcastle starlet Lewis Hall and Club Brugge’s Joaquin Seys. So far, they have encountered clubs unwilling to sanction departures.
Further outgoings remain possible too. Joshua Zirkzee has been associated with a potential return to Italy, with Juventus and Napoli reportedly keen on acquiring his signature.
Follow all of the latest news and updates below…
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Key Events
Manchester United are confident JJ Gabriel will reject any approach from Chelsea to stay at Old Trafford. The 15-year-old represents one of the most promising young players to emerge from the club in recent years.
Reports suggest the Blues have been attempting to lure the teenager to Stamford Bridge. However, talkSPORT states United are confident Gabriel will remain with the club. Currently, he cannot sign a professional contract due to age restrictions preventing young players from doing so until they turn 17.
(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Carlos Baleba’s former club Lille will receive a percentage of the transfer fee paid by Manchester United. The Cameroonian finally appears set to move to Old Trafford after close to two years of speculation.
However, Brighton and Hove Albion will not receive the full amount. French outlet Foot Mercato understands Lille inserted a 15%-20% sell-on clause when he left for Brighton.
If United sign him for around £65m, Brighton will need to pay Lille approximately £5m, which represents roughly 20% of the profit they would make on a player they purchased for around £26m.
Carlos Baleba during a Brighton & Hove Albion match(Image: Getty Images Europe)
Manchester City are now weighing up a move for Manchester United transfer target Manu Kone, according to the Daily Mail.
United had been heavily associated with the French midfielder throughout the summer. Now it seems City are considering the Roma man, having recently sold Rodri to Barcelona.
Manu Kone has been linked with Man United this summer(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
Rio Ferdinand praised Arsenal for signing Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, calling him one of their biggest and most consistent players and an England international, and describing the potential signing as magnificent on his YouTube channel.
Ezri Konsa looks to be on the move(Image: Getty)
German outlet BILD has reported Manchester United are still considering a move for Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-Jae. The South Korean has been on United’s shortlist throughout the summer.
The left-footed central defender is believed to be valued at approximately £26m by the German champions. He would offer cover and competition for Lisandro Martinez and could even serve as a viable option at left-back.
(Image: Getty)
Manchester United must focus on a new left-back now Carlos Baleba appears set to complete a significant midfield rebuild. At least, that is the view of the MEN.
For the full story, follow here
Good morning you Reds!
A brand new day of transfer news, updates and links is now underway. We will be covering all of the latest developments around the likes of Carlos Baleba, Lewis Hall and many more.
Stay with us for all of the latest news, rumours and links at Old Trafford and beyond.
Thanks for following our Manchester United live transfer blog.
Our coverage has now concluded, but we will return bright and early tomorrow for all of the latest.
Until then, you can stay up to date on our homepage.
An interesting development this evening as Manchester City have reportedly identified Manu Kone as a potential acquisition for their revamped midfield.
Kone has long been associated with a move from Roma to Old Trafford, with one report even claiming that personal terms had been agreed between United and the midfielder.
But now the Daily Mail is reporting that Kone is now on City’s list of targets for the summer as they look to strengthen Enzo Maresca’s midfield options.
The reports add that Roma are said to have set an asking price of approximately £51m for Kone.
Joshua Zirkzee continues to be the subject of speculation linking him with a move to Juventus.
And now TuttoSport, via Sport Witness, are reporting that Zirkzee is not only a target for Juve, but he is well-regarded by the club’s sporting director Ricky Massara and is viewed as an upgrade over Jonathan David.
A loan move is suggested in the piece, while Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta is also claimed to be a target.
Man United striker Joshua Zirkzee is facing interest over a move away from Old Trafford.(Image: Niall Carson/PA Wire)
Marcus Rashford has this evening responded to Jamie Carragher after the former Liverpool defender expressed frustration about having to discuss the forward once more.
Carragher shared his thoughts during the latest episode of The Overlap when former United defender Gary Neville brought Rashford up towards the end of the programme. Neville posed the question about Rashford, to which Carragher responded with audible exasperation about discussing the forward repeatedly, comparing it to the ongoing conversation around Trent.
And responding to the clip posted online, Rashford stated on X that he appreciated the comment from Carragher and expressed a desire to simply focus on playing football without his name being brought up constantly.
Marcus Rashford of Manchester United(Image: Charles McQuillan Getty Images)
We want your opinion on whether £65million represents good value for Carlos Baleba.
Is it too much? Or is his talent worth the gamble? Let us know by voting here:
Manchester United are reportedly close to securing a deal for Carlos Baleba – and the news has delighted Lille.
This is because when the French side sold the midfielder to Brighton and Hove Albion, they included a sell-on clause of approximately 15-20 percent in the agreement.
Foot Mercato, via Sport Witness, reports that if Baleba is sold to United for around €70m in a fixed fee, Lille will receive approximately €6-8m.
Manchester United’s pursuit of Youri Tielemans has attracted widespread praise.
United completed a shrewd £35m purchase from Aston Villa to sign Tielemans last month after a proposed £43m deal for Atalanta and Brazil midfielder Ederson fell through following a medical.
But former United forward Teddy Sheringham believes Tielemans is not of sufficient quality to be the midfielder United required.
He stated via MetBonus that Manchester United have already missed their chance to sign the other midfielder they needed because all the top players have moved elsewhere now. He explained that if you want the best, you have to go and pay for it, pointing to Sir Alex Ferguson’s time in charge when he broke the bank to sign top young players who were going to lead by example. Sheringham questioned whether Tielemans would lead by example or simply join United to enjoy the ride, feeling happy to be there, suggesting he would not change everyone’s perception of Manchester United or demand more and take them back to the top. Instead, he believes Tielemans would make them acceptable, which is never good enough for a club like Manchester United.
Youri Tielemans in action for Manchester United against Paris Saint-Germain(Image: Ash Donelon Manchester United via Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford has rejected a potential move to Galatasaray after holding discussions with Ilkay Gundogan’s uncle.
Rashford’s Manchester United future remains uncertain, but the England international has reportedly turned down the opportunity to join the Turkish club.
Galatasaray reports Gala journalist Ali Naci Küçük, via Sport Witness, explained that the person who spoke with Rashford on behalf of Galatasaray is İlhan Gundogan, the uncle of Ilkay Gundogan. According to the reports, Rashford indicated he does not want to leave and is not considering a transfer to Türkiye.
Marcus Rashford’s future is uncertain(Image: Andrzej Iwanczuk NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Manchester United return to action this weekend.
Hull City will be aiming for a positive start in their Premier League return, while Michael Carrick will be looking to build on the hard work from last season.
Speaking of hard work, our United writers have been helping prepare our Premier League standalone ‘Kick Off’.
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According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Napoli are interested in Joshua Zirkzee.
The Dutch striker faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford with repeated links over a move away.
However, it has been said that after requesting information on Zirkzee and Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, the Blues forward represents a more feasible option.
Both players have expressed a willingness to move to Italy.
Arsenal are growing in confidence about securing two Manchester United prospects, according to the Telegraph.
The Gunners are said to be working on a deal for James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye.
Scanlon joined from Derby in 2024 but spent the second half of last season on loan at Swindon. Ogunneye made 21 appearances for Newport County before being recalled in January and featured in the United matchday squad that defeated Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final in 2024.
United will shift their focus to signing a left-back if a deal for Baleba can be finalised.
Newcastle have restated that Hall is not for sale. The 21-year-old has been viewed as an ideal signing by United, but they have explored alternatives and may instead sign someone less established to serve as clear cover for Shaw.
Although Shaw cannot play twice per week, he showed no signs of decline last season.
(Image: 2026 Newcastle United)
After weeks of speculation we finally have another update on United’s midfield rebuild as they continue discussions with Brighton over a £65m move for Carlos Baleba.
This is clearly not a hasty decision given United’s long-standing interest in the youngster, but would adding a 22-year-old to an already relatively youthful pool of midfield options really be the wisest move? At £65m Baleba would not be inexpensive, but he would cost considerably less than if he had moved to Old Trafford the previous summer.
Plenty to consider, but what is your view?
Baleba made clear his desire to sign last summer, but Brighton valued the midfielder at more than £100m, which was not a realistic fee for United in a window when other areas needed addressing.
United will be thrilled if they secure a deal of approximately £70m for Baleba this summer, however, Brighton’s valuation has been reduced for a reason.
Baleba underperformed last season, and that track record would not ordinarily result in a move to United, but the recruitment department are prepared to overlook a disappointing 12 months.
United have formed an assessment of Baleba and only time will reveal whether they are correct. The author has not concealed doubts about him over the past year, but United needed to make a third midfield signing before the transfer deadline.
(Image: 2026 Crystal Pix MB Media)
United are in discussions to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton before the transfer deadline.
United have made an offer of approximately £60million, plus £5m in additional payments, to secure the midfielder. The Reds were interested in signing Baleba last summer, but Brighton’s valuation exceeding £100m caused them to lose interest.
Baleba’s performances declined throughout last season, with Brighton’s manager Fabian Hurzeler suggesting that transfer reports had impacted the player.
Read the full story here.
(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has thanked AS Monaco after his contract was ended by the club.
The Frenchman endured a difficult return to football following his extended ban as injuries affected his Ligue 1 debut.
Reports suggest the move now opens the door to an MLS move before the window closes on September 2.
Rob Dawson had earlier reported that Manchester United had not ruled out the possibility of a move for a third midfielder.
The ESPN journalist highlighted that Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Alex Scott, Angelo Stiller, Adam Wharton, Manu Kone and Marc Bernal were among the names discussed, with some more seriously than others.
Could this deal for Baleba be one of the best pieces of business? And will United have won the transfer window if he signs along with a left-back?
Lewis Hall and Myles Lewis Skelly are two options mentioned.
Carlos Baleba is keen on a United move(Image: Jorge Horsted News Images NurPhoto via Getty Images)
With just days to go before Manchester United begin their new campaign, Old Trafford supporters are showing considerable faith in Michael Carrick.
Fresh bet365 trading data reveals United are the third-most backed team overall to win the title at 11.83% of total market share, but they actually lead bet365’s speculative single-bet outright market, with over 17% of global and UK punters backing them at 7/1.
Confidence is equally strong in bet365’s top four market, where United hold over 17% of global market share and 8/13 odds to secure Champions League qualification. While Arsenal and City lead the broad multiple-bet market, United are far and away the speculative title bet of choice for bet365 single-market bettors heading into the opening fixture
Manchester United are close to completing a deal to sign Carlos Baleba, according to David Ornstein.
It has been stated that Michael Carrick’s side have made an offer of approximately £60million plus £5m in additional payments for the midfielder.
Discussions are reportedly progressing towards an agreement for the 22-year-old to join the club.
(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal’s CEO Richard Garlick has left the door open to the prospect of sales amid Manchester United links with Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Reports emerged last week that the England international has been the subject of interest from Premier League clubs including Chelsea and United.
The midfielder provided an assist for Riccardo Calafiori’s opening goal in Arsenal’s commanding Community Shield victory over Manchester City with an excellent delivery. But his future remains uncertain under Mikel Arteta.
And Garlick’s remarks do little to provide reassurance over the talent’s future.
Myles Lewis-Skelly has been linked with a move away from Arsenal this summer(Image: Huw Fairclough Getty Images)
Manchester United have not made contact with Barcelona regarding Marc Casado, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
The 22-year-old Casado has been associated with United on numerous occasions this summer, while Benfica and Nottingham Forest are the latest to be mentioned.
However, the report suggests United have not entered the race for him.
Barcelona are said to want £26million.
Marc Casado has been linked with a move to Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United could make their most significant statement signing of the transfer window by tying Bruno Fernandes to a new contract, writes Jake Bayliss.
Galatasaray are said to have offered the Portugal star a lucrative contract to move to Turkey. Even at 31, Fernandes remains crucial to the club’s success moving forwards.
Bruno Fernandes signing a new Manchester United contract would be a huge boost for the club(Image: Ash Donelon Manchester United via Getty Images)
Harry Maguire is happy for the club to bring in all the best players in the hopes of landing more trophies before the end of his career. Speaking to Sky Sports, he explained that it is important to have a large squad.
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