Squad shakeup: 3 deals Manchester United could make after Hull City defeat
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- Manchester United suffered a 2-0 defeat to Hull City in their opening game, piling pressure on the club to strengthen the squad
- Carlos Baleba is closing in on a move to Old Trafford in a deal worth up to £70 million, making him Carrick's fourth summer signing
- Joshua Zirkzee could head for the exit door with Juventus and Aston Villa among the clubs monitoring the striker's situation
Manchester United's transfer window activity is under scrutiny following a 2-0 opening-day defeat to Hull City, with the club looking to complete several deals before the window shuts.
Here are three transfers United could wrap up before the deadline as captured by MEN.
1. Carlos Baleba
Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba is on the verge of joining Manchester United in what would be manager Michael Carrick's fourth signing of the summer.
The highly-rated central midfielder is set to move to Old Trafford for a fee of £65 million, with a further £5 million available in add-ons, taking the potential total outlay to £70 million.
Alejandro Balde
With United's pursuit of Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall having come to an abrupt end following the Magpies' firm refusal to sell this summer, attention has now shifted towards Barcelona's Alejandro Balde as a more realistic option at left-back.
Balde was notably absent from Barcelona's matchday squad for Sunday's pre-season fixture against Elche, a development that coincided with reports linking him to United.
Joshua Zirkzee
Going in the opposite direction, Joshua Zirkzee is a player United may be prepared to sell before the window closes. The Dutch striker has attracted interest from Serie A giants Juventus as well as Premier League side Aston Villa, with United understood to value him at around £40 million.
Zirkzee's prospects at Old Trafford appear limited, with Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, Patrick Dorgu, and the returning Marcus Rashford all ranked ahead of him in the attacking pecking order.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.