Manchester United’s midfield search has taken another turn, with the club stepping back from two highly rated Premier League options because their asking prices are considered excessive.

The Red Devils still want another central midfielder before the window closes, but their recruitment team appear determined to avoid paying a premium simply because the targets are young and proven in England.

United have already added Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, giving Michael Carrick more control and technical quality in the middle.

The remaining priority is a more defensive and physical presence who can protect the back line while helping the team progress the ball under pressure.

That search continues, but financial discipline is clearly shaping the shortlist.

Man United reconsider their options in midfield

According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United have cooled their interest in Carlos Baleba and Alex Scott because Brighton and Bournemouth are demanding fees well above United’s internal valuations.

The report claims the club admire both players, but Brighton’s valuation of Baleba is closer to £100 million, while Bournemouth have also placed Scott in a price range United consider unrealistic.

United reportedly value Baleba nearer £50 million after an inconsistent campaign, despite still believing his athleticism and defensive ability would suit Carrick’s system.

Scott remains admired for his ball-carrying, energy and technical confidence, but rejecting a new Bournemouth contract has not made him any cheaper.

Fulham midfielder Sander Berge, valued below £40 million, has now emerged as a more attainable alternative.

Walking away could be smarter than overpaying

The Guardian has also reported that United want a third midfielder but view moves for Scott, Roma’s Manu Koné and Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga as unlikely at current prices of roughly £60 million to £80 million.

Walking away from Baleba and Scott is sensible if the valuations are genuinely that high.

Both could improve United, but neither should consume most of the remaining budget when the squad also needs work at left-back and in attack.

Berge would be less exciting, yet he offers Premier League experience, defensive size and lower financial risk. The concern is whether he raises the team’s ceiling or merely provides reliable depth.

United should continue monitoring their preferred targets in case prices fall later in the window.

For now, patience is better than allowing admiration for a player to develop into another overpriced transfer.

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