Manchester United have shifted their focus to Fulham midfielder Sander Berge as potential deals for Carlos Baleba and Alex Scott have become too expensive, according to TEAMtalk. The Red Devils initially identified four central midfield targets – Scott, Aurelien Tchouameni, Berge, and Baleba – to bolster their options following Casemiro’s departure and a pre-season injury to Manuel Ugarte.
United have already secured the signings of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, but after abandoning pursuit of Atalanta’s Ederson, the club is seeking further reinforcement. While Carlos Baleba was considered an ideal addition, Brighton’s valuation, reportedly exceeding £75 million and potentially reaching £100 million, has proven prohibitive.
Alex Scott of Bournemouth also remains of interest, however, his rejection of a new contract with the Cherries has not necessarily made a deal more attainable, with Bournemouth reportedly holding a similarly high valuation. United’s recruitment team, led by Jason Wilcox, are now prioritizing more affordable options.
Roma’s Manu Kone is still on the shortlist, with an asking price around £50 million, though some within the club remain hesitant at that figure. Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga has also been offered to United, presenting a potentially high-quality, though expensive, alternative to their initial targets.
However, Sander Berge, valued at under £40 million, has emerged as a serious target for INEOS, the club’s new ownership group. His Premier League experience and potential to elevate his game when surrounded by quality players make him an attractive option. United also continue to explore options at left-back, with Newcastle’s Lewis Hall as a priority, and in attack, with Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye both under consideration, though these moves are contingent on the future of Marcus Rashford and potential departures.
