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Manchester United are keen on bolstering their left-back options but may have to repeat the Carlos Baleba transfer trick to capture their dream target.
By last summer, it was obvious the Red Devils needed to sign a top defensive midfielder and gradually introduce him as Casemiro was phased out of the team.
The Carlos Baleba transfer blueprint
The data department identified Baleba as the dream signing. He was duly approached and was ready to swap the Amex for Old Trafford.
However, the move failed to materialise, as Brighton were reluctant to let the midfielder go. It was suggested that only crazy figures, £100 million plus, would have convinced them to sanction an exit.
United, not ready to overpay, opted against forcing the transfer and instead cooled their interest. Still, it was suggested they would be back for the deal, and a year later, they have indeed returned and got their man, landing Baleba on a £70 million deal.
Now, following that same approach, the Red Devils are keen to walk the same path in their pursuit of Lewis Hall. Hall is Michael Carrick’s dream target for left-back, but Newcastle United are reluctant to lose him.
If United press on with this deal now, they would have to overpay to convince the Magpies to sanction it.
Patience the key to eventually signing Hall
Rather than do that, Manchester United are willing to wait and return for Hall next summer, according to the Manchester Evening News. While they look forward to eventually signing the ex-Chelsea man, INEOS have, in the meantime, opted to pursue a temporary solution at left-back.
They are looking to sign Alejandro Balde on loan, despite Barcelona being willing to agree a £30 million permanent deal.
United, however, are insisting on striking the Balde deal as a loan, with MEN explaining:
“[United] are unlikely to spend £30m on a left-back when they plan to reignite their interest in Hall next summer.”
Whether Barcelona will be willing to let Balde join United on loan remains to be seen, with the failed Rashford-to-Camp Nou deal likely to motivate the Spanish giants to stand firm.
Either way, United should remain firm and not commit to a deal they do not want, only to end up missing out on their ultimate target.
Missing out on a left-back signing now could be considered a transfer blow. Still, with Patrick Dorgu, Baleba and Noussair Mazraoui capable of covering there, it surely will not be a major one.
Featured image by David Ramos/Getty Images
