Manchester United have reportedly identified a cheaper alternative to Carlos Baleba should they miss out of their priority target before the close of the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils have significantly bolstered Ruben Amorim’s attack this summer with the additions of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko for fees of £62.5million, £71m and £74m respectively.
United have now turned their attention to the middle of park, with Brighton’s star midfielder Baleba, 21, understood to be the primary target.
Baleba, who has spent two seasons as a regular starter for the Seagulls after arriving from Lille in 2023, is expected to demand a hefty transfer fee worth between £100m and £120m this summer, given he still has a minimum of three years left on his Brighton deal.
According to The Sun, Manchester United are now considering a £50m move for Sporting Lisbon captain Morten Hjulmand, who was once a favourite of Amorim’s during his time in the Portuguese capital.
The newspaper claims that Hjulmand, who is expected to cost half the fee Baleba would demand, would only be pursued if United miss out on the Cameroonian altogether.
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Man United have reportedly noted Morten Hjulmand (above) as an alternative to Carlos Baleba
The midfielder was once a favourite of Ruben Amorim’s during his spell at Sporting Lisbon
Brighton’s Baleba is the Red Devils’ main target but is likely to cost between £100m and £120m
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed on Wednesday that United are ready to step up their pursuit of Baleba after hearing the player is keen to make the switch.
But Amorim is also a strong admirer of the Danish midfielder and has previously lauded his ‘monster mentality’ and leadership qualities, having appointed him captain.
Baleba helped Brighton finish eighth in the Premier League last season, just five points off fifth-placed Newcastle, who secured Champions League football.
The Seagulls, who have made a habit of selling the likes of Joao Pedro, Marc Cucurella and Moises Caicedo to Chelsea for huge profits, are less keen to sell Baleba this summer given he had an impressive season.
According to The Athletic, a move for the youngster is ‘improbable’ unless United are able to secure a series of lucrative sales before the window closes at the start of next month.
Only Liverpool and Chelsea can boast a higher spend among the Premier League’s money-spinning corridors this summer.
One Manchester United fan has set up a GoFundMe page to try and raise funds for a Baleba bid, though in four days it had only raised £501 of its £120m target.
In defensive midfield, United currently have Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, and Toby Collyer as options, while Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo can also be deployed in the centre of the park in their 3-4-3 formation.
Amorim is an admirer of the Danish star and has previously lauded his ‘monster mentality’
One Manchester United fan set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for Baleba’s transfer fee
The Brighton star revealed in a previous interview that reigning Ballon d’Or holder Rodri is an inspiration of his as he continues to make strides in his budding career.
‘I want to win the Ballon D’or like Rodri,’ Baleba said. ‘His success has opened the door for midfielders like us to believe we can win the Ballon d’Or one day.’
The youngster was born and raised in Douala – also the birthplace of four-time African Player of the Year Samuel Eto’o.
He has also cited former United midfielder Paul Pogba as one of his biggest inspirations.