Report: Man United end pursuit for Baleba as they eye new English talent

Manchester United have reportedly pivoted away from their pursuit of Brighton's Carlos Baleba, with a new focus on Crystal Palace’s emerging talent, Adam Wharton. 

Manchester United spent much of the summer transfer window pursuing  Baleba as their top midfield target. 

Brighton made it clear Baleba was not for sale, and their valuation, reportedly north of £100 million, proved too steep for the Red Devils after having splashed on acquiring Bryan Mbuemo, Matheus Cunha, and, towards the end of the window, Benjamin Sesko. 

Despite Baleba being open personally to a move, United never secured an agreement with Brighton. With the Baleba deal effectively off the table, United began considering alternatives, and one of the main names emerging very strongly was Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.

United reportedly deem Wharton more affordable and a better tactical fit under their current system. 

According to The I Paper, Amorim is a huge fan of Wharton, and the Red Devils have made firm enquiries into Wharton and see him as a realistic fallback option for next summer’s window, as they do not expect Brighton to soften their stance on Baleba.