Updated: 23 Jul 2026 16:41 BST |
4 min read
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Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign their dream midfielder this summer, with the Red Devils considering going back for one of their top targets.
United have already signed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans this month to bolster their midfield but Michael Carrick is keen to bring in another option in the middle of the park due to Manuel Ugarte long-term knee injury.
Options are being considered, with United also hoping to sign a winger and a defender before the summer is out, although a third midfielder arrival appears to still be their top priority.
After missing out on targets such as Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, Sky Sports report that United have ‘made movement’ in revisiting a deal for Carlos Baleba, having previously been put off by Brighton’s asking price.
Manu Kone is also being considered as an alternative to Baleba, with Roma likely to demand far less for the 25-year-old, although he is also in talks to move to Saudi Arabia.
However, United’s dream target has always been Aurelien Tchouameni but Real Madrid had so far proven to be reluctant to sanction the Frenchman’s sale – until now.
Man Utd get Tchouameni chance – but do they want it?
According to The Sun, Real Madrid are now open to Tchouameni’s sale despite reports that the 26-year-old has agreed to sign a new long-term contract with the Spanish giants.
Jose Mourinho’s side are looking to sign another midfielder this summer but they would first need to create room in their squad – something which has proven difficult due to the likes of Eduardo Camavinga and Raul Asencio refusing to entertain offers to leave.
The situation has led to Madrid finally opening the door to Tchouameni’s sale and giving United the chance to sign their ideal target, although it remains to be seen whether the Premier League side make a move.
Tchouameni would likely command a fee far greater than his €63.1million Estimated Transfer Value, while his wage demands would put him among the highest earners at Old Trafford.
With United having already spent more than €90m on Santos and Tielemans, splashing out a similar amount on Tchouameni could prove a step too far and they may prioritise a move for a cheaper alternative instead.
Brighton had previously quoted around €100m for Baleba when United enquired about him last summer but their demands are likely to have dropped after a disappointing campaign for the 22-year-old.
Kone, meanwhile, will be allowed to leave Roma for around €50m due to their financial constraints and the France international may represent the cheapest deal for United if they pursue it.
United have also ‘expressed an interest’ in former Nottingham Forest star Danilo, according to the BBC, although they will face competition from Newcastle for the Botafogo star.
Ultimately, United are continuing to explore their options and hold talks over their targets but the Tchouameni dream may not be feasible unless Madrid significantly lower their asking price, which they have not suggested they will do, making Kone or Baleba far more likely targets.
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