Man United have 'serious doubts' about midfield signing after Youri Tielemans agreement

Manchester United are having "serious doubts" about pursuing a deal to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba in the summer window.

Following the confirmed arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, the Red Devils are keen to add one more new signings to their midfield in the next few weeks.

The 22-year-old has been on Man United's radar for over a year now, and has been widely tipped as one of their leading targets to become that third signing in the middle.

However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Baleba is not one of Michael Carrick's top targets and plans are in place to look elsewhere.

United's interest in the Brighton star has cooled after a frustrating season in which he started just 23 Premier League games and struggled for form under Fabian Hurzeler.

Baleba was believed to have had his head turned by interest from some of the Premier League's biggest clubs, but that has led to doubts among his biggest suitors.

Could Man United renew their interest in Carlos Baleba?

Football Insider revealed on 12 July that Man United could step up their interest in Baleba as Brighton weigh up lowering his price tag from last summer's £100million.

The Seagulls' demand last year was enough to deter interest from the Red Devils, but after a difficult season at the Amex, they are now prepared to accept a lower offer.

However, Man United's interest is believed to have cooled, and regarldess of Brighton's stance, they are being encouraged to instead pursue other alternatives.

"Carlos Baleba is somebody who has been on Man United's radar for a while," Brown told Football Insider.

"The first time I watched him, I thought he was a top-class talent, he was very impressive and probably just what Man United wanted, but that hasn't been the case recently.

"Whenever I watched him last season, he looked a long way off of his usual level, he looked distracted, slow, lethargic at times. That's going to cause serious doubts.

"Based on the evidence of last season, and Man United will have been watching him closely, there's no way they should be making a move to add him to their midfield.

"Especially not as a replacement for Casemiro, which is what we expect they're looking for now after the other two deals have been agreed.

"He doesn't fit that mould at all, and given the way he's been playing for Brighton, they're going to need to see more from him if he wants to make a big move."

Which other midfielders are on Man United's radar?

Given their fading interest in Baleba, Man United are keen to assess other midfield targets, with a third midfielder still a priority alongside their two new signings.

United had agreed a deal to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson before late medical checks saw it fall through, while an injury to Manuel Ugarte has added to their determination.

As a result, Football Insider revealed last month that Man United are keeping tabs on Borussia Dortmund star Felix Nmecha to bolster their midfield this summer.

His World Cup displays are believed to have impressed the watching scouts, although they will face competition from a number of clubs across European football.

Meanwhile, Man United are also interested in signing Bournemouth star Alex Scott, who enjoyed an impressive season as the Cherries qualified for the Europa League.