Man Utd eyeing BARGAIN Mount alternative

Tom Hancock

• Updated: 26 Jun 2023 22:48 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United are weighing up a bid for Lille hotshot Carlos Baleba as a potential alternative to Mason Mount.

Talks between Man Utd and Chelsea over a possible deal for Mount seem to have reached an impasse, with the two clubs apparently at odds over the England international’s value.

As such, United could walk away from the negotiating table altogether – so they may have to set their sights elsewhere when it comes to signing reinforcements in the middle of the park.

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According to Lille-based newspaper La Voix du Nord, Man Utd intend to table an offer worth just shy of €30m (£25m) for Baleba – who was handed his professional debut for Lille less than a year ago, when he came off the bench to replace former United youngster Angel Gomes.

The 19-year-old Cameroonian has featured 19 times for the Ligue 1 club in all – although only five of those appearances have been starts.

Growing up, Baleba looked up to ex-Man Utd man Paul Pogba – who had two spells at Old Trafford before Baleba had even made his professional debut – as well as the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Thiago Alcantara.

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Another alternative?

United have also been linked with former Lille midfielder Amadou Onana – but they may have to pay in the region of £50m (€58m) to sign the 21-year-old Belgium international from Everton.

Erik ten Hag has yet to add to this squad this summer, as he prepares to lead Man Utd back into the Champions League next season.

The top priority for the 13-time Premier League champions remains a new number nine – although that currently seems unlikely to be long-term target Harry Kane, with United reportedly reluctant to meet Tottenham’s valuation of the England captain.