The Brighton midfielder has been linked with a move to Ruben Amorim’s team during the summer transfer window.
A Manchester United player who was previously considered ‘untouchable’ could be used as a’makeweight’ in the club’s pursuit of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
Baleba, 21, has been linked with United throughout the summer transfer window, although he is now a Brighton player ahead of the September 1 deadline.
Despite United’s interest in the 21-year-old midfielder, no formal bid was made, and various reports earlier this month stated that the Red Devils had abandoned their pursuit of Baleba.
However, Ruben Amorim continues to struggle in central midfield, having employed Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in the engine room in his team’s Premier League games against Arsenal and Fulham this season.
Notably, Kobbie Mainoo has been an unused replacement in both games and has recently been linked with a move away from United.
The Mail claimed on Tuesday (August 26) that at least eleven clubs had contacted the 20-year-old about a prospective move, with a decision on his future likely before next Monday’s deadline.
The England midfielder is thought to have the choice of a loan or a permanent transfer.
So, who are the most likely to sign him?
According to Sky Bet, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are the frontrunners to capture Mainoo, with Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Brighton all in the running.
Some supporters have argued that Mainoo may be utilized in a prospective swap deal to revive United’s interest in Baleba.
A fan tweeted: “Swapping Mainoo for Baleba would be the best piece of business United do since SAF.”
Added another: “I’ll swap Mainoo for Baleba if there’s a chance for that happening, we need a really good and mobile midfielder to partner with Bruno for that pivot to work.”
A third stated, “Make a Mainoo direct swap bid for Baleba. Mainoo is just as talented, if not more, and if he does well at Brighton, he can be sold for £100 million.
It is unknown whether United would agree to a swap deal for Mainoo, who was formerly deemed ‘untouchable’, according to the MEN’s Samuel Luckhurst.
According to The Guardian, Mainoo wants to join a Champions League team, which means Chelsea could be a viable option, but it will certainly disadvantage Brighton if they seek a deal.
What did Ruben Amorim say about Kobbie Mainoo?
When asked why he didn’t bring Mainoo on against Fulham on Sunday, Amorim replied that the England player was battling with captain Fernandes for a spot in his team.
“He is now fighting for the position with Bruno,” Amorim stated. I altered two midfielders. I like Mason Mount because we want to score a goal.
“And then, when I changed it, I felt the team needed to go back to one holding midfielder.”
“So he only needs to compete for the spot with Bruno in training. “Like it should be at Manchester United.”
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