Man Utd Abandon Baleba Pursuit, Turn Attention to Santos and Adams

Manchester United have shelved their interest in Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, deciding the Seagulls' £70 million valuation represents poor value in the current market.

The Red Devils' search for fresh legs in midfield continues to dominate the summer agenda at Old Trafford. Atalanta's Ederson is already locked in, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the Brazilian will complete his medical this week following his side's World Cup exit, but Erik ten Hag's side requires additional reinforcement in the engine room.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have adopted a hardline approach to recruitment, refusing to be fleeced by inflated asking prices. The club missed out on both Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes earlier in the window for precisely this reason.

With those avenues closed, United have refocused their efforts. Chelsea's Andrey Santos and Bournemouth's Tyler Adams have emerged as serious contenders, according to reports. The Red Devils have already lodged fresh enquiries regarding Santos, whose status at Stamford Bridge remains precarious, with sources suggesting his arrival could be pursued with genuine urgency.

Adams was discussed alongside Bournemouth colleague Alex Scott, with the south coast club signalling they would consider bids in the £50 million region should formal proposals materialise.

Brighton's stance on Baleba tells its own story. The Cameroon international's valuation has dropped from an eye-watering £100 million, yet the club's insistence on £70 million remains beyond what United are prepared to spend. As one source put it, the gap between ambition and budget means United have abandoned what could become a fruitless pursuit, instead concentrating on targets priced closer to the £50 million mark.

Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni and Scott remain on United's radar, though both present complications. Tchouameni's wages are problematic, and Madrid have shown no inclination to negotiate, while Scott is being closely monitored by Arsenal as well. Bournemouth insist the 24-year-old is staying put, though whether that resolve holds if a substantial offer lands remains to be seen.