Liverpool swap deal opportunity causes Man Utd a problem as Carlos Baleba price emerges

Manchester United have reportedly identified a new midfield target after being concerned about Brighton’s hefty valuation of Carlos Baleba

Manchester United’s pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton could be thrown into disarray by Liverpool’s transfer plans. Ruben Amorim’s squad are considering midfield targets after bringing in three forwards this summer.

New striker Benjamin Sesko is set to lead a revamped United attack, supported by fellow signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. After assembling their front three, United have shown interest in Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.

The Seagulls’ hefty price tag has reportedly led the club to consider Palace ace Wharton as an alternative. However, United’s chances of securing a deal for Wharton could hinge on the futures of Palace’s other star players, Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze.

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The Independent has stated that United have identified Wharton as an alternative to Baleba due to the latter’s price tag, said to exceed £100million. However, it is suggested that the Eagles may demand even more for Wharton if they do part with England duo Guehi and Eze.

Liverpool are keen on Guehi to strengthen Arne Slot’s defensive choices. The 25-year-old is in the final year of his contract and Liverpool are hoping to sign the centre-back for £35m, while Palace are believed to be demanding £40m. The centre back is keen on the move but a deal looked to be off with both clubs some distance apart on his valuation.

However, Guehi’s situation at Palace has been further muddled by the club’s interest in Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, who is valued at the same price. The Sun reports that a swap deal involving Guehi and Elliott hasn’t been ruled out, which could damage United’s hopes of signing Wharton.

There was previously hope that Guehi might remain at Palace this season, potentially making the Eagles more receptive to offers for Wharton. However, the club are not prepared to let the defender walk away for nothing next summer.

Following Palace’s Community Shield victory last weekend, chairman Steve Parish said: “Players come and go in football clubs, you know, I mean, it’s a life cycle isn’t it? Hopefully they’re still here. That’s what I’d like but we’ll see.”

In the meantime, Palace are reportedly eyeing up Elliott as a potential replacement for Eze, who has caught the attention of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. Eze’s release clause is set at £68m, but it s claimed to be expiring on Friday.

Should Palace part ways with just one of Eze or Guehi, the Eagles might be more inclined to consider bids for Wharton. However, if both Guehi and Eze depart, they’ll become even more determined to retain the midfielder and will boast a stronger financial position following potential transfer fees for the duo.

The 21-year-old has garnered widespread praise since his switch to Selhurst Park from Blackburn Rovers in February 2024, although injury setbacks hampered his campaign last term, limiting him to just 20 league outings.

The defensive midfielder shares the same age as Baleba, who has likewise caught the eye in the Premier League since his move to Brighton from Lille two years ago. His boss, Fabian Hurzeler, dismissed speculation that Baleba was set to depart the club after he sat out Brighton’s friendly against Wolfsburg due to a minor knee problem.

“He trained today, he trained yesterday,” Hurzeler said. “So we don’t want to take any risks, but he will be back.”

United are eager to bolster their midfield ranks ahead of the forthcoming season. Amorim chiefly turned to Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo in central midfield last campaign.

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