Man United concerned by Liverpool update after Carlos Baleba’s family visit
Man United have been chasing Carlos Baleba since the summer transfer window but may receive an unwanted challenge from Liverpool.
Sources told Football Insider that Man United will make Baleba their top priority in January after missing out on him over the summer.
The price tag was the main concern with Football finance expert Dan Plumley telling Football Insider on 18 August that Man United can afford Baleba but may have to wait until next summer.
The Cameroonian is highly sought after with a £100million price tag which has seen the Reds manoeuvre their way into contention to sign him.
Carlos Baleba visits Liverpool as Man United panicking over deal
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the Red Devils could face stiff opposition from the Premier League champions for Brighton‘s prized possession.
Indy Kaila revealed on 24 September that Baleba was in attendance to watch Liverpool at Anfield as well as visiting Old Trafford on 20 September.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast over the 21-year-old’s interest in a move to the Reds, I explained: “I think it’d be concerning for Manchester United if they are sort of monitoring that situation. Carlos Baleba is a top player.
“Man United inquired about him in the summer and Brighton’s price tag of around £100million scared United off.
So again, Brighton we know are very smart operators in the transfer market. If they are to sell their best players, they will demand top dollar for them.
Baleba is a very influential player there at Brighton but it’s been interesting to see Fabian Hurzeler sort of suggest that he’s been distracted by all this transfer speculation over Manchester United.
“But he still has played in all five of Brighton’s Premier League games so far this season but I don’t think this speculation is going to go away.
“United still firmly have him on the radar probably for next summer rather than the January window and if Liverpool are in the market for a central-defensive midfielder, I’m sure Baleba will be someone who’s also on their list as well.
“If it came down to who could land them, it’d be worrying for United because they probably need Champions League football to try and convince Baleba to make that move.
“And as I said, Baleba continues to shine like he can do for Brighton, I’m sure there’ll be more than Man United and Liverpool looking at him.”
Marcus Rashford sale could help Man United land Baleba
Sources told Football Insider that Marcus Rashford is likely to join Barcelona on a permanent basis.
The Englishman has had a mixed start to life in Spain, but his new club are strongly considering his £26m loan-to-buy clause in the contract.
For a player of this quality, it feels like a bargain which has seen PSG enter the race to sign Rashford for around £39m.
If the ex-Aston Villa winger can continue to improve at the Camp Nou then the Red Devils may opt to demand a higher transfer figure than first agreed to fuel their pursuit of Baleba.