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Man Utd prepared to complete transfer hijack for £50m star who wants to leave Premier League rival
After a 2-0 opening-day defeat at newly promoted Hull City, Manchester United are pushing to finalize several deals, with Carlos Baleba's £65m move from Brighton nearing completion. The club are also exploring a left-back signing, with Alejandro Balde emerging as a target after Newcastle refused to sell Lewis Hall, while retaining interest in Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr.
Manchester United's Premier League campaign began with a 2-0 loss at newly promoted Hull City, a result that has sharpened focus on the club's remaining transfer business before the September 1 deadline. Goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy gave Hull a shock win, and manager Michael Carrick acknowledged the performance was below par. "Some of it was OK, there's bits to improve on," Carrick said, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. "It was never going to be perfect, but going behind and giving ourselves a lot to do makes it more difficult." He insisted the defeat would not "knock" the team.
The loss came despite Carrick fielding two of his new signings, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, alongside Bruno Fernandes. Both players were brought in earlier in the window, with Santos arriving from Chelsea for £48m and Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35m, according to BBC Sport.
Baleba Deal Nears Completion
The club are on the verge of adding a third midfielder, with Brighton's Carlos Baleba close to completing a move. Reports differ on the exact fee: the Daily Express and Manchester Evening News state a £65m fee plus £5m in add-ons, with United's initial £60m offer rejected before an improved bid was accepted. SPORTbible, citing earlier reports, puts the deal at £70m. Brighton had initially demanded more than £100m last summer, according to multiple outlets.
If completed, Baleba's signing would represent a significant outlay. BBC Sport notes the £70m figure would match the fee paid for Casemiro in 2022 and be exceeded only by the £89m spent on Paul Pogba among United's midfield purchases. The same report describes the arrival of Baleba, Santos, and Tielemans as a £155m midfield revamp, giving United a four-man unit with three players aged 22 or younger alongside Kobbie Mainoo.
Left-Back Search: Balde Emerges as Option
With Luke Shaw having started all 38 Premier League games last season and also starting at Hull, United's need for a backup left-back has been a recurring theme. According to BBC Sport, Shaw's fitness record has been mixed, with a period between February 2024 and April 2025 where he played as many games for England (three) as for his club, and a three-month absence at the start of the 2023-24 campaign.
Newcastle's refusal to sell Lewis Hall has blocked one avenue. As reported by the Daily Express and Manchester Evening News, Newcastle have firmly rejected any approach for Hall. Attention has turned to Barcelona's Alejandro Balde. Spanish outlet Jijantes, cited by both the Daily Express and Manchester Evening News, claims Balde is seeking a new challenge, and his agent Jorge Mendes is working to find him a new club. Fabrizio Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, confirmed United have held talks with Mendes, as reported by GIVEMESPORT. Balde was left out of Barcelona's matchday squad for their 5-0 win over Elche, with reports suggesting Hansi Flick wanted to "clear his mind," according to BBC Sport. Barcelona are said to value Balde between €30m and €40m.
Romano also said United are looking for more signings after Baleba, with the left-back position "crucial."
Other Targets and Potential Departures
Beyond midfield and left-back, SPORTbible reports United retain interest in Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr. The 28-year-old Senegal international, who scored 18 goals last season, is reportedly keen on leaving Selhurst Park, with Galatasaray leading the chase. Palace are demanding at least £50m.
In other potential deals, United and Arsenal have both seen bids rejected for Leicester's 18-year-old Louis Page, valued at around £10m, according to the Manchester Evening News and Daily Express. Leicester manager Russell Martin confirmed no further developments, saying: "No all quiet..."
Joshua Zirkzee could depart, with Juventus and Aston Villa interested and United placing a £40m price tag, per the same reports. Villa's interest stems from uncertainty over Ollie Watkins' future, while Juventus sees Zirkzee as an alternative to Randal Kolo Muani.
Harry Amass, who returned early from a loan at Norwich, may be sold permanently for £7m, while Toby Collyer is attracting interest from Hull City.
Financial Context
BBC Sport reports that in their third-quarter financial accounts to March 31, United owed £405.75m in outstanding transfer fees, and the club have yet to specify how the additional $125m (£91.64m) borrowed in a wider refinancing will be used. This financial backdrop has led to suggestions that United's powerbrokers will not be held to ransom in negotiations.
How each outlet told it
BBC — World
Framing: The headline poses a question about whether United will buy a left-back, focusing on squad planning rather than reacting to the Hull defeat. — Analytical and measured; the tone is balanced, presenting both sides of the argument without alarm, with phrases like 'caution in United circles'.
Facts Included:
The signing of Carlos Baleba completes a £155m summer revamp of United's midfield.
Baleba arrives along with Andrey Santos, a £48m signing from Chelsea, and £35m former Aston Villa man Youri Tielemans.
United now have a spread of different attributes across their four-man midfield, three of whom are 22 or younger.
Michael Carrick's calm exterior cracked in a post-match exchange with Jan Aage Fjortoft following the defeat at Hull.
Luke Shaw started all 38 Premier League games last season and started at Hull.
Of United's past 44 league games, Shaw has failed to start just one.
Shaw's injury record before last season was poor; between February 2024 and April 2025, he played as many games for England (three) as he did for his club.
Shaw missed three months at the start of the 2023-24 campaign.
There were calf and hamstring issues and a feeling Erik ten Hag rushed him back too quickly.
Shaw benefited from a 40-game season, allowing him to prepare properly.
The club like Newcastle's Lewis Hall, but Newcastle don't want to sell.
United's powerbrokers won't be held to ransom or overpay for players.
In published third-quarter financial accounts to 31 March, United owed £405.75m in outstanding transfer fees.
The club are still to outline what the additional $125m (£91.64m) borrowed in a wider refinancing will be used for.
The £70m for Baleba is equal to the sum United paid for Casemiro in 2022, and only exceeded by the £89m spent on Paul Pogba.
Racing Santander's 19-year-old Jorge Salinas has a €16m (£13.7m) release clause.
Barcelona's Alejandro Balde was left out of the 5-0 La Liga victory over Elche by Hansi Flick to 'clear his mind'.
Barcelona are said to value Balde between €30m (£25.66m) and €40m (£34.22m).
Marcus Rashford's exit has virtually been ruled out with confirmation he will wear the number nine shirt.
The anticipated exit of Manuel Ugarte had to be scrapped when he was injured at the World Cup.
Joshua Zirkzee appears surplus to requirements.
There is a report that Amad Diallo could be out for up to six weeks.
Carrick has options at left-back without bringing anyone else in: Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Baleba (as a left-footed player), and Harry Amass.
Harry Amass was not included in the squad for the Hull trip and the expectation is he will leave.
Most still think there will be another left-back signed before the window closes on 1 September.
Framing: The headline emphasizes that United can complete six transfers in response to the Hull loss, presenting transfer activity as the primary reaction. — Optimistic and action-oriented; the article is written as an opinion piece (marked 'OPINION') and suggests a proactive approach, with phrases like 'working hard' and 'can now be completed'.
Facts Included:
Manchester United lost 2-0 to newly-promoted Hull on the opening weekend.
Carlos Baleba's move from Brighton is edging closer, for a fee of £65million plus £5m in add-ons.
United's opening proposal to Brighton of £60m was turned down, but the Seagulls have now accepted an improved offer.
Brighton initially held out for more than £100m last summer when United first expressed interest.
Baleba will join Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos as midfield additions.
Alejandro Balde could be a more realistic target at left-back after Newcastle closed the door on Lewis Hall.
Newcastle has firmly refused to sanction Lewis Hall's departure this summer.
Spanish outlet Jijantes claimed Balde is seeking a fresh challenge.
Balde's agent Jorge Mendes is working to secure him a new club before the window closes.
Balde was omitted from the matchday squad against Elche on Sunday amid speculation.
United have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Leicester youngster Louis Page, with both clubs seeing their bids for the 18-year-old knocked back.
Russell Martin confirmed no further developments have taken place, saying: 'No all quiet...'
Page is valued at around £10m.
Joshua Zirkzee has drawn interest from Juventus and Aston Villa, with the Reds placing a £40m price tag on his head.
Villa's interest stems from uncertainty surrounding Ollie Watkins' future.
Juventus has explored a potential deal for Zirkzee as an alternative to Randal Kolo Muani.
Harry Amass may be sold permanently, with a £7m deal being considered.
Amass returned early from a loan spell at Norwich last season.
Toby Collyer is attracting interest from Hull City.
Framing: The headline emphasizes Fabrizio Romano's insider perspective on United's transfer plans after the Hull loss, focusing on the need for 'more signings'. — Concerned but forward-looking; terms like 'humiliating' and 'shocking performance' convey alarm, but the focus on Romano's optimism suggests proactive response.
Facts Included:
Manchester United lost 2-0 to Hull City in their Premier League opener.
Goals from Semi Ajayi (17') and Nobel Mendy (38') stunned the visitors.
Michael Carrick started his first full season as United head coach.
Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos started in the defeat.
Carlos Baleba is close to sealing a move, heading to Carrington for a medical after Brighton accepted a £70 million offer.
United's deal for Baleba came just ahead of Arsenal's victory over Coventry City.
Interest in Lewis Hall will likely not be taken further as Newcastle don't want to sell.
Fabrizio Romano said on his YouTube channel that United are looking for more signings after Baleba, and the left-back position is going to be crucial.
Luke Shaw started at left-back against Hull and was ever-present in all 38 Premier League games last season.
Romano discussed interest in Barcelona's Alejandro Balde and confirmed they have held talks with his agent Jorge Mendes.
Reports from Spain say Balde is 100% leaving Barcelona following a meeting with his agent.
Balde is on a big salary at Barcelona.
Hansi Flick opened the door for Balde to depart.
Benjamin Sesko came off the bench at MKM Stadium and is only just getting back to full fitness.
Matheus Cunha started up front but struggled.
A new centre-back should be on INEOS' agenda despite Matthijs de Ligt's impending return from injury.
Framing: The headline emphasizes that United can complete six transfers this week, framing the Hull loss as a catalyst for action. — Neutral to optimistic; the tone is factual and descriptive of transfer possibilities, with a direct quote from Carrick adding a measured perspective.
Facts Included:
Manchester United lost 2-0 to newly-promoted Hull City with Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy scoring.
Michael Carrick insists he won't let the loss 'knock' the team and admitted there were positive things to take.
Carrick said: 'Some of it was OK...' (direct quote).
Carlos Baleba is set to become Carrick's fourth summer signing for a fee of £65million plus £5m in add-ons.
United's opening offer of £60m was rejected, but the Seagulls accepted an improved bid.
Brighton initially demanded more than £100m last summer.
Baleba will join Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos as midfield reinforcements.
Alejandro Balde could be a more viable option at left-back after Newcastle shut the door on Lewis Hall.
Newcastle gave a firm no to allowing Lewis Hall to leave.
Spanish outlet Jijantes claims Balde wants a new challenge.
Balde's agent Jorge Mendes is working to find him a new team.
Balde was left out of the matchday squad against Elche on Sunday.
United have joined Arsenal in pursuing Leicester starlet Louis Page, with both bids rejected.
Russell Martin confirmed no other movement, saying: 'No all quiet...'
Page is valued at around £10m.
Joshua Zirkzee could depart, with interest from Juventus and Aston Villa, and a £40m price tag.
Villa's interest stems from uncertainty over Ollie Watkins' future.
Juventus has sounded out a potential deal for Zirkzee as an alternative to Randal Kolo Muani.
Harry Amass may be sold permanently, with a £7m deal being considered after early return from Norwich loan.
Toby Collyer is attracting interest from Hull City.
Framing: The headline focuses on United's 'transfer hijack' for a £50m star wanting to leave a Premier League rival, emphasizing the club's aggressive move in the market. — Optimistic and speculative; the tone is forward-looking about transfer possibilities, with phrases like 'it wouldn't be a surprise if he joined the Red Devils this summer'.
Facts Included:
Manchester United lost 2-0 to newly promoted Hull City in their Premier League opener.
Michael Carrick's men deployed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans alongside Bruno Fernandes.
United have agreed a £70 million deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, with the 22-year-old completing his medical at Old Trafford this weekend.
TEAMtalk reports United retain interest in Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr.
Sarr missed Palace's 2-0 defeat to Everton through injury and is likely to leave Selhurst Park.
Galatasaray are currently leading the race for Sarr, having offered him a contract and reached an agreement with his representatives.
Palace are demanding at least £50 million for Sarr, who scored 18 goals in all competitions last term.
Sarr is 'keen on the possibility of leaving Selhurst Park' and United are willing to rival Galatasaray.
Sarr has produced 33 goals and 10 assists in 92 appearances for Palace.
Sarr has played as right winger, left winger, attacking midfielder, and centre forward across his career.
Sarr has missed only 10 games for club and country while at Palace.
Each row is one claim, attributed to the outlet whose wording states it most clearly. Confidence rates how directly the source text states the claim — explicit and unhedged rates high; hedged, pieced-together, or internally inconsistent statements rate lower. It does not measure whether the claim is true. Status counts the distinct outlets we found asserting it — so a single-source claim can still show high confidence, and a multi-source claim can show medium. Every one of those outlets is named beside the status, so you can check the count against the list. For claims extracted before we began storing that list, the row says so: it names the outlet the claim is quoted from and states that we have not recorded which outlets backed it. Outlets wrote at different times, so a figure that evolves — a casualty count, for example — can legitimately differ between rows; check the "as of" time next to each claim's source.
Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimManchester United lost 2-0 to newly promoted Hull City in their Premier League opener.
ClaimMichael Carrick has options at left-back without bringing anyone else in: Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Baleba (as a left-footed player), and Harry Amass.
ClaimFabrizio Romano said on his YouTube channel that Manchester United are looking for more signings after Carlos Baleba, and the left-back position is going to be crucial.
ClaimCarrick said: 'Some of it was OK, there's bits to improve on. It was never going to be perfect, but going behind and giving ourselves a lot to do makes it more difficult.'
ClaimManchester United have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Leicester youngster Louis Page, with both clubs seeing their bids for the 18-year-old knocked back.