Carlos Baleba: United face Spurs challenge as Brighton reconfirm price | OneFootball

Manchester United got back to winning ways against Crystal Palace, showing some steel to come from behind to snatch a 2-1 win.

The goals came from Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount, but the performance was driven from the midfield by Casemiro.

Priority position

Nevertheless the Brazilian has had his fair share of underwhelming performances and it is clear the veteran is in the twilight of an illustrious career.

Manuel Ugarte was brought in to challenge the 33-year-old and ultimately take over from him, but it hasn’t worked out for the former PSG man.

As such, the Red Devils are widely reported to be viewing a new midfielder as a transfer priority, either in January or in the summer.

Shortlist assembled

United have long been planning for a big signing in that position, to the point that fans have been frustrated not to see movement there sooner.

The club were reportedly close to signing Carlos Baleba last summer before being scared off by Brighton and Hove Albion’s nine-digit asking price.

Links to the Cameroonian have not gone away despite his poor form this season, and he has been joined on the shortlist by the likes of Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Joao Gomes.

Spurs enter the race

That downturn in performances has led to speculation the 21-year-old’s price may be reduced ahead of an anticipated transfer, and according to CaughtOffside Tottenham Hotspur have sensed an opportunity to go for him.

The outlet claim that Spurs have joined the race, but also that Brighton will stick to their €100m valuation – it is implied that the London club wouldn’t meet this, and United are also likely to struggle.

United and Spurs are therefore named as “the main two teams to watch in the race for Baleba”, and CaughtOffside indicate that the youngster’s bad form is viewed in the industry as a blip rather than a permanent black mark.

Final thoughts

A CaughtOffside source says that the Seagulls “don’t see Baleba’s recent performances as a huge concern” and that “any clubs thinking about a cut-price deal can forget about it”.

It makes sense that the clubs involved are looking beyond a dodgy few months in a young player’s career, and it would not be a surprise to see United close an expensive deal for him next year.

But equally the Red Devils could turn to an alternative target, meaning there is no reason for Spurs not to stay in touch in this fast-moving situation.

Featured image Ryan Pierse via Getty Images

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