A diversionary tactic! Manchester United is reportedly offering 50 million euros for a French international midfielder, while their true target is actively making overtures.

Youri Tielemans was brought in from Aston Villa for 35 million by activating his release clause. Andre Santos was secured from Chelsea for 50 million. Both deals were clean and straightforward without any delays. To fill the midfield gap left by Casemiro, Manchester United has already splashed 85 million pounds this summer. However, based on recent rumors, the club's hierarchy clearly feels it's not enough, as Carrick is still searching for a third midfielder for the multi-front campaign next season.

Earlier, breaking news arrived: According to the latest report from *Il Romanista*, Manchester United has reached a principle personal agreement with Roma midfielder Manu Koné and is preparing to submit a bid close to 50 million euros. Meanwhile, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Carlos Baleba's team has already contacted Manchester United to discuss a potential move. The British *Manchester Evening News* also confirmed that United might revive their pursuit of Baleba.

Every rumor has a grain of truth.

Koné is indeed on United's transfer list, but this is likely a diversionary tactic—Baleba is Carrick's top priority.

*Il Romanista* claims that communication between United and Koné's representatives has been ongoing, and they have reached a verbal agreement in principle. The basic framework of personal terms has been settled, leaving only the club-level transfer fee negotiations. United is prepared to offer nearly 50 million euros, but Roma is demanding over 60 million euros. The gap is about 10 million euros.

Roma's sporting director, Tiago Pinto, has made his stance clear—he does not want to sell cheaply. Roma needs to raise funds through player sales to meet the financial settlement agreement requirements and boost their transfer budget. Therefore, Roma hopes to spark a bidding war around Koné.

To be honest, the 60 million euro asking price is not a big issue for Manchester United, but after the gains from last summer's transfers, the club's hierarchy has reached a consensus—prioritize players who have proven themselves in the Premier League.

Last summer, United signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. Both players scored double-digit goals last season, meeting expectations and becoming key contributors to United's third-place finish in the league.

And United's first two new signings this summer both came from Premier League clubs. Andre Santos came from Chelsea—though not a starter, he was an important rotation player with good potential. Tielemans has been playing in the Premier League for years and was previously on United's transfer list. Now at 29, he is still in his prime, making it a very cost-effective deal.

Therefore, the third midfielder is likely to come from the Premier League as well. Koné is just a decoy; Baleba is the "chosen one."

In fact, United was interested in Baleba last year, but Brighton demanded 100 million pounds at the time, which scared United off.

In the 2024-25 season, Baleba had a standout performance at Brighton, especially defensively. He averaged 2.32 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, and 1.26 clearances per game. Interestingly, Baleba's performance declined last season, with several stats dropping. Some fans joked that it was because he was distracted by the failed transfer to Manchester United.

Now, Romano has confirmed that Baleba's team proactively contacted United—this is a positive sign. Baleba is a "childhood United dream" player, and playing at the Theatre of Dreams is his ambition. His market value has dropped from a peak of 60 million euros to the current 55 million euros, but that doesn't mean Brighton will lower their asking price much.

Baleba is very young, only 22, a Cameroon international with excellent physical attributes and strong transition play—he is what fans call a "black and strong" midfielder. With Bruno Fernandes and Mainoo handling midfield connections, Baleba can serve as a shield for the defense. Carrick also appreciates his athleticism and defensive traits, but if Brighton continues to insist on a 100 million pound asking price, the deal is doomed.

The report from *Sky Sports* is very blunt: the two clubs haven't even had formal contact because the valuation gap is too large. Manchester United will never pay 100 million pounds this summer. This deal is currently stuck.

However, Baleba's team proactively contacting United can be seen as a turning point. If the player is willing to put pressure on Brighton, there is a possibility of a price reduction. Let's wait and see.