Manchester United draw up dream midfielder shortlist after Carlos Baleba talks

"Baleba, earlier in August, emerged as his top target. However, following exploratory talks with Brighton, United decided to end their pursuit of the 21-year-old as the deal was not considered financially viable. Brighton made clear they have no intention to sell Baleba this summer amid reports that for a deal to have been struck between the two clubs, any fee would have had to have been in the region of Moises Caicedo's 115million move to Chelsea."

"He has also been linked with Liverpool and Tottenham this summer. Next on United's list of midfield targets is Sporting's Hjulmand, who Amorim worked with while at the Portuguese giants. The 26-year-old Denmark international is a key player at Sporting, but no interest is advanced. It currently remains more likely that the summer window could close with Amorim not getting the position filled."

Manchester United halted their pursuit of 21-year-old Baleba after exploratory talks with Brighton concluded the transfer was not financially viable. Brighton stated they do not intend to sell Baleba this summer and indicated any acceptable fee would be comparable to Moises Caicedo's 115million move to Chelsea. United need outgoing sales to fund arrivals and are unwilling or unable to meet such valuation. Wharton is admired by United but faces competition from Real Madrid, Liverpool and Tottenham. Sporting's 26-year-old Denmark international Hjulmand is on United's list, though no advanced interest exists and the role may remain unfilled by the window's close.

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