Manchester United could kill two birds with one stone by using Scott McTominay as a makeweight in a deal to sign a new midfielder. The Red Devils are said to be eyeing reinforcements in the engine room as Erik ten Hag looks to prepare his squad for the new Premier League campaign.
Manuel Ugarte was heavily linked with United earlier in the window but is no longer believed to be a target, with Paris Saint-Germain refusing to lower their asking price. They are demanding around £51million in exchange for his signature, which is a fee United are not willing to pay.
It means they will need to look elsewhere in their bid to sign a new midfielder, which is far from the only objective they will be looking to complete this summer. United will also be hoping to get rid of McTominay, who is facing an uncertain future at Old Trafford despite recently being hailed by Ten Hag.
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The 27-year-old is only tied down until the end of the season, meaning United will lose him on a free transfer next year unless he can be moved on this summer. It would, therefore, make sense for him to be included in a swap deal allowing the Red Devils to solve two problems at once.
United have been credited with an interest in Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, who is one of several players thought to be under consideration. He is reportedly valued at £60m but United could attempt to drive down his asking price by offering McTominay in a part-exchange deal.
The same strategy could work in a potential move for Carlos Baleba, who has been linked with United after excelling in his debut season at Brighton. His impressive engine and technical ability would serve him well to replace McTominay in the middle of the park on a long-term basis.
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Brighton might also welcome the experience McTominay would bring to their midfield ranks, with a player-plus-cash deal able to suit all parties.
Alternatively, United could decide to raise money to pursue a straight cash deal for either Gomes or Baleba by selling McTominay to Fulham. The west Londoners are said to have tabled several offers for the midfielder but are yet to strike an agreement with the Red Devils.
There is also a chance that McTominay could sign a new deal at United to end the speculation over a move elsewhere for the foreseeable future. No contract offers are thought to be forthcoming as of yet, though, meaning that an exit remains the most likely outcome.
