Manchester United reportedly sent scouts to Stamford Bridge over the weekend to execute the rules via potential forwarding targets. The Red Devils already enjoy the productive summer window, spending just £200 million on four new signatures. Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Diego Leon all moved to Old Trafford since the end of last season.
United are also tilted to sign a new central midfielder with Brighton playmaker Carlos Valleva linked to. He is said to be keen on making switches, but Segal has a nine-digit price tag on the player’s head. As a result, it seems unlikely that United will be able to close the transaction before the window closes.
They are said to be exploring other options now, and TBR Football reports that Adam Wharton has emerged as a player of interest.
United are claimed to send scouts to see him play for Crystal Palace against Chelsea in the Premier League opener. It ended with a goal-like draw. Ebeki Eze saw a great free kick being ruled out after the VAR intervention.
Wharton was instrumental for the palace as he played a holding role in the three midfielders and earned a clean sheet. He won four duels, was confiscated only once, and played eight passes in the final third.
United have been linked to Wharton in the past, but travelling to Old Trafford is not cheap. Earlier this summer, Daily Mail reported that Palace was reluctant to sell a 21-year-old child for less than £60 million.
Given the unlikely movement of Baleba, only time can tell if Red Devils decided to cement their interest before the window closes.
Reuben Amorim recently suggested that Mason Mount could fall into a deeper midfield role if United were unable to strengthen in the region.
“I’m really happy with our (midfield) players. They’re working really well,” the Red Devils manager said before Sunday’s narrow defeat to Arsenal.
“We have a variety of players in that position so we are ready to win a game with the players. Mason Mount is a player who can play in that position if something different is needed, but we can learn about it during the season.”
United are also leaning widely to sign a new goalkeeper after Andre Onana was removed from the team against Arsenal. Altay Bayindir was given an unusual start between the sticks, and Tom Heaton was named among the alternatives.
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