Man Utd Bullish on Baleba Pursuit as Fernandes Set to Stay; Murillo on Radar

Manchester United are increasingly upbeat about their chances of landing Carlos Baleba from Brighton when the transfer window reopens, with the Red Devils viewing the summer market as their primary focus for recruitment.

Having already invested over £200m in their squad last summer under Ruben Amorim, United's hierarchy have little appetite for significant January business. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS prefer to preserve their ammunition for the off-season, by which time they will have appointed a permanent successor to Amorim, who departed his post early last week.

The Brighton midfielder represents one of their key long-term targets, and United sense an opportunity. Baleba's market value has cooled somewhat since their initial interest became public knowledge, making a summer deal increasingly feasible. The club are confident about extracting him from the Amex Stadium when the window opens.

Fernandes to Stay Put

Speculation about Bruno Fernandes' future intensified following Amorim's exit, but transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has moved to quash any January departure talk. Amorim played a crucial role in convincing the Portuguese midfielder to spurn Saudi offers—including from Al-Hilal—last summer, making his sudden departure a potential concern.

However, Romano insists Fernandes remains focused on Manchester United and shows no signs of leaving in January. The 31-year-old intends to see out the campaign at Old Trafford before reassessing his position when the summer window approaches, with Saudi clubs expected to resurface with fresh proposals ahead of the World Cup.

Defence Reinforcement Plans

United are preparing for life without Harry Maguire and have begun scouting potential replacements. Nottingham Forest's Murillo has emerged as a leading candidate for the role, with the 23-year-old Brazilian already on the club's radar as they plan their defensive overhaul.

The Forest centre-back is open to a move away from the City Ground next summer and remains under active consideration at Old Trafford. United could pursue a couple of midfield additions alongside their defensive recruitment, with Fernandes' potential summer exit factoring into their planning.