Manchester United’s search for midfield reinforcements has taken another twist. The club had apparently made Brighton’s Carlos Baleba their prime target, but the asking price of more than £100 million left the deal out of reach. With time running out in the summer window, the Red Devils are now looking at a cheaper but still effective solution.

Brighton are keen to keep hold of Baleba, who is under contract until 2028 with the option of a further 12 months, and warned United it would take a fee around the £115 million ($156 million) Chelsea paid to sign Moisés Caicedo two years ago to get a deal for Baleba over the line.