Manchester United chiefs and Michael Carrick continue their search for a third midfielder this summer and have once again trimmed the club’s shopping list.
The Red Devils have already announced the arrival of two stars: former Chelsea player Andrei Santos and ex-Aston Villa star Youri Tielemans. Around £85 million has already been invested, but Manchester United aren’t done there.
It is understood that the club have identified the need for three new players in the center of the park following the departure of Casemiro and the serious injury of Manuel Ugarte. This latest acquisition would be a smarter purchase than the big fees paid to Santos and Tielemans.
Manchester United increase interest in Fulham star
TEAMtalk reports that Jason Wilcox and Carrick met again to assess the state of the game in the window. Fulham midfielder Sander Berge has emerged as the most likely candidate to be signed next.
The 28-year-old impressed for Norway at the World Cup and is likely to be enticed by the prospect of the Champions League having not featured in the competition since Genk reached the group stage in 2019.
It has been confirmed that Berge, once described as “fantastic” by former Sheffield United manager Paul Hickingbottom, was on the original long list drawn up at Old Trafford at the start of the transfer window and remains on it while other options are crossed off.
The Fulham midfielder could be available for less than £40 million despite still having three years left on his contract at Craven Cottage, making the player a very attractive prospect for Manchester United. The Red Devils could complete a £125m midfield overhaul.
Carlos Baleba-Ederson deal unlikely
Berge’s rise to the top of the shortlist is believed to have come at the expense of Atalanta’s Ederson and Brighton star Carlos Baleba.
Ederson has now signed a contract extension with Serie A after a move to Old Trafford fell through. Manchester United agreed a fee of £38 million for the player, but problems were identified during medical tests carried out in both the US and UK.
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Meanwhile, Baleba’s heart is known to be at Old Trafford after his move to the North West failed last summer. The player was sidelined at the Amex Stadium last season but remains one of the division’s top prospects.
Manchester United know they will have no competition for the 22-year-old given his love for the club, but Brighton’s high £100 million valuation is a major barrier to this deal.
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