Brighton’s Carlos Baleba could be United’s new midfield option after bid for Alex Scott falls through

Manchester United are reportedly reviving their interest in Brighton's £100m target, Carlos Baleba, as the club struggle to strengthen their midfield following a failed deal with midfielder Alex Scott. According to reporting by Mirror - Football, the transfer was initially on the table but has now been shelved due to financial considerations.

Despite high hopes for an initial interest from the Red Devils in late spring, talks with Bournemouth over Scott's move seemed to be hitting a significant obstacle after their valuation of £40 million differed greatly from the club's asking price of £70 million. With Scott rejecting a new contract offer, United have now turned their attention back to trying to secure the services of Baleba.

Why the transfer interest in Baleba?

United remain interested in Brighton's Carlos Baleba

Baleba has been on Manchester United’s radar since last summer but faced a £100m price tag from the South Coast club. Reports suggest the speculation around his future may have contributed to a dip in his form at Brighton, yet that does not appear to have put United off, with Sky Sports claiming they are exploring ways to revisit the deal.

The financial hurdles and next steps

United will need to negotiate a lower cost for a move to go through

While United's interest in Baleba remains strong, they would first need to convince Brighton that £100m is no longer on the table. As of now, there has been no fresh contact made with the Brighton management team and negotiations are yet to start. However, the club's involvement in planning a pre-season tour of the United States provides some time before any concrete moves can take place.

Status update on Marcus Rashford

Rashford may return during August training camp

Meanwhile, the future of Manchester United’s star forward, Marcus Rashford, remains up in the air. The player is currently on a post-World Cup break and is expected to rejoin the team potentially during August's training camp in Ireland, which includes a friendly against Leeds in Dublin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did United reportedly pay for Scott?

The Red Devils initially offered £40 million for Alex Scott but were met with resistance from Bournemouth, who asked for £70 million. Talks broke down due to the valuation gap.

Why is Manchester United still interested in Carlos Baleba?

Baleba's form may have dipped as a result of speculation about his future, which has likely influenced his performance at Brighton and led to United reassessing him as a potential target for the club.