Transfer truth behind Liverpool decision and Carlos Baleba to Man United link

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Manchester United are gearing up for a second win on the trot as they head to Brentford this Saturday. Ruben Amorim 's team have a golden opportunity to build momentum ahead of a hectic schedule and add to the woes of Keith Andrews' squad.

United managed to edge past Chelsea thanks to first-half goals from Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, despite Trevoh Chalobah's late strike causing a few jitters. However, after finding the back of the net, Casemiro saw red for a second yellow card offence, ruling him out of this weekend's early kick-off in London.

Despite a mixed bag start to the season, United find themselves in 11th place, just three points shy of the Champions League spots. With only two games remaining before the October international break, the Reds will be back in action with a trip to Liverpool on 19 October.

Even though there's over three months until the January transfer window swings open again, rumours continue to swirl around United. We have therefore delved into the latest chatter.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has dismissed reports suggesting that Liverpool could swoop in and steal United's targets Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton.

In recent weeks, rumours have been swirling that Liverpool are on the hunt for a new midfield signing, with two Premier League stars in particular catching their eye. However, a reporter has poured cold water on the idea that either player will be heading to Anfield.

"At the moment, I'm not really aware of Liverpool pushing for a deeper lying midfielder - if anything, if Liverpool were to add it might've been more of an attacking midfielder," he revealed to The United Stand. "With the likes of Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba, we know they're going to be in demand, my understanding with Wharton is that there is a gentleman's agreement in place allowing him to leave Crystal Palace next summer so that's obviously one to watch.

"I think Wharton could leave Palace next summer and with Carlos Baleba, there's going to be two aspects, one is naturally the market pushing towards trying to sign him with multiple suitors - Manchester United fans shouldn't be surprised by that.

"One of the reasons they did all the leg work during the final weeks of the window was to put them in the strongest position because I do think they'll be moving for Carlos Baleba. You don't commit to what would've been £100million plus spend and walk away because there will be a point in 12 months when that player is for sale.

"The second aspect is price, even though, many may feel that £100m is a lot of money and may get the deal done, my data and approach suggest this is a player that may command a Moises Caicedo-type fee, £100m or more, in 12 months time. That projection of value priced Baleba out of the market and stopped anyone bidding because Brighton felt that no one is going to match the valuation from a year's time and therefore, the player is not for sale."

He added: "If Manchester United want Carlos Baleba, they don't have to worry about Liverpool or anyone else, they need to worry about finding £100m plus or even closer to £115m to £120m, hoping Brighton want to sell.

"Will they be head-to-head with Liverpool? We'll have to wait and see, I think Liverpool will be more inclined to go for a Morgan Rogers-type player, if it isn't Liverpool, there will be other suitors and Brighton will think there's more suitors and his price will go up but also his form, adds to the valuation as well. Man United and senior midfielders, I think there is a strong possibility that two come in.

"Could it be Baleba and Wharton or two other midfielders? Absolutely. First of all, Casemiro could leave, Bruno Fernandes could go to Saudi Arabia and third of all because there is a question mark over the future of Kobbie Mainoo ."

United's midfield is in dire need of a revamp, and it seems as though Amorim missed the chance to strengthen his options during this summer's spending spree. However, the opportunity to bolster the forward-line was too tempting after last season's goal-scoring issues.

The January transfer window, or more likely, the summer one, present two vital opportunities for the club to bring in quality players that will enable them to compete with the best in England and Europe.

Tutto Juve reports that Juventus defender Gleison Bremer is on the radar of both United and Liverpool, but the Italian club have no plans to let him go.

The Brazilian centre-back is considered an essential part of the squad in Turin as the Italian heavyweights aim to reclaim their spot at the top of Serie A.

The report suggests that Liverpool are eyeing the defender as a potential addition to boost their defensive prowess, given the uncertainty surrounding their pursuit of Marc Guehi. United are also mentioned in the article as rivals to Liverpool.

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.