INEOS block Alex Scott and Carlos Baleba deals with surprise Premier League star now a 'serious target'

Manchester United chiefs have reportedly pulled the plug on their pursuit of Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba in favour of targeting a shock Premier League star.

United have already welcomed former Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos and ex-Aston Villa star Youri Tielemans, as well as back-up goalkeeper Karl Darlow, to the club this summer, while Ederson’s move fell through despite it looking likely that he had completed a switch from Atalanta earlier in the transfer window.

With Casemiro moving on at the end of last term and Manuel Ugarte expected to miss most of the season with a knee injury, it appears Michael Carrick wants to add further depth to his midfield ahead of a campaign which will see United compete on four fronts, with the side competing in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

United were previously interested in Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes before Spurs swooped in and signed both of them.

Brighton’s Baleba and Bournemouth’s Scott have also been admired by the Old Trafford club; however, a new report suggests United have decided against moving for the pair and instead want to sign another Premier League midfielder who impressed at the recent World Cup.

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Premier League star emerges as 'serious target' for Man Utd

TeamTalk ’s Graeme Bailey, United’s recruitment team, led by Jason Wilcox, are assessing their options ahead of an important Premier League campaign.

“What I am hearing is they want someone who can really help them defensively,” Bailey said.

“In an ideal world they’d just sign Carlos Baleba. They absolutely love his game. Yes, he didn’t have his best season, but they still believe he’d be an outstanding fit for Manchester United.”

The journalist then explained that United believe Baleba to be worth around £50 million, at least £25 million less than the £75 million fee the Seagulls are seeking.

After explaining that the signings of a left-back, a midfielder and potentially a forward remained a priority, Bailey reported that France international and AS Roma midfielder Manu Koné was among the names on United’s shortlist.

“His asking price is around the £50m mark, perhaps a little lower, but even then there are still some inside Old Trafford who aren’t totally convinced at that valuation,” he explained.

Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga is also attracting interest from United, while Fulham and Norway midfielder Sander Berge has emerged as a serious target.

“Experience is something they value and that’s why Berge keeps coming up,” Bailey continued.

“He’s proven in the Premier League, he’d probably cost under £40m and he showed again at the World Cup with Norway that when he’s surrounded by top-quality players he can elevate his game.

“He’s someone United genuinely believe could come in and do a very good job.”

Berge, 28, has represented Sheffield United, Burnley and Fulham in the Premier League while being capped 71 times by his country, helping them reach the World Cup quarter-finals.

The defensive midfielder is contracted to the Cottagers until 2029 and would likely prove to be a cheaper alternative than the other names on United’s shortlist.

It is unclear whether Fulham would sanction a sale.