Baleba Revival? Manchester United Only Willing to Pay £50 Million! Tottenham's Iron Defender Favors Liverpool and Has Been Dropped

Chelsea suffered a 0-3 defeat to Brighton midweek, where Brighton's Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baleba unusually played the full match and performed well. This has reignited memories of his talent and the possibility of a transfer to Manchester United.

Baleba's situation illustrates the complexity of modern scouting work; he was once considered a must-buy for United, but his performances have been inconsistent. Last summer, United had agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old midfielder, but after the transfer failed, his performances at Brighton were very poor.

So far this season, the match against Chelsea was only his third time playing the full 90 minutes. He did perform well, but given Chelsea's current form, anyone playing against them has a chance to shine. In United's victory at Stamford Bridge, Diogo Dalot, Eden Havn, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, and others all delivered performances above their usual level.

It is reported that United continues to monitor target players' performances, focusing more on intrinsic ability rather than superficial form. Baleba's performance at the Africa Cup of Nations is believed to have attracted United, showing that when confident and physically fit, he can make high-level contributions to the team.

However, Baleba's price will be key. Last year United was willing to pay £75 million for him, now it has dropped to £50 million. A crucial factor for the transfer is Brighton's stance, depending on Tony Bloom's typically tough negotiation style, which will determine whether United's potential deal restarts or ends.

Besides a midfielder, United may also sign a central defender, although some at the club believe Havn and Lenny Yoro have the potential to develop into a partnership as strong as Arsenal's Gabriel and William Saliba. But with next season involving Premier League and Champions League, relying on these two as defensive pillars currently seems unlikely.

United must have sufficient squad depth and stability; Harry Maguire's age and the injuries of Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martínez may force the club to sign a new center-back. Tottenham's Dutch defender Van de Ven was once a major target for United; he scored 7 goals in 40 games and is unique in driving forward with the ball.

However, two major obstacles have led United to abandon pursuit of Van de Ven. First, the Dutchman is also prone to injuries; second, he prefers joining Liverpool, where there are more compatriots, rather than United. Transfer expert Ben Jacobs told talkSPORT that if given the chance to join Liverpool, Van de Ven would reject United.

“If Tottenham relegates, Van de Ven almost certainly leaves; if Tottenham stays up, the situation is slightly different because Cristian Romero could still leave, and Van de Ven might stay,” Jacobs said. “United has been monitoring him. Tottenham has received no offers, and currently there is no contact between United and the player.”

Jacobs added: “Liverpool is also looking for another defender, and like United, Liverpool internally discusses Van de Ven. The bad news for United is that if Liverpool joins the competition and Van de Ven has to choose, he would pick Liverpool. I can confidently say that if both clubs compete, Van de Ven’s preference would definitely be Liverpool over United.”

Van de Ven's childhood dream has been confirmed: “Van de Ven hopes to partner with Virgil van Dijk, who will leave after next season as his contract expires. Van de Ven knows Van Dijk and has the chance to partner him, playing left center-back. Moreover, he and his family are Liverpool fans. If Liverpool enters the race for Van de Ven, it's bad news for all suitors.”

United's current target is to sign four key players in the summer window, with possible positions including an experienced forward and a left-back.