Man Utd's Carlos Baleba swap transfer decision will be music to Bruno Fernandes' ears
Manchester United are unwilling to include midfield prospect Toby Collyer as part of a move for Carlos Baleba. Brighton star Baleba is valued at £100million as Ruben Amorim looks to address another key area of his side.
United have completed a £74m deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. The 22-year-old is the third forward the club have signed this summer, with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo helping to revamp the team's frontline.
Following the trio's arrival, Baleba has emerged as a target for United and there had been speculation that midfielder Collyer could be used to help the club reach Brighton's valuation. However, United are keen to keep Collyer on their books, which will please club captain Bruno Fernandes.
The Manchester Evening News has ruled out the possibility of Collyer being used as a makeweight in a move for Brighton. However, Collyer, who made 13 appearances for United last term, has received loan interest.
The 21-year-old impressed Fernandes during his European debut against Rangers in January. Collyer was picked to start ahead of Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro, and the United skipper highlighted his performance.
"He trains very well every week, trains at the maximum level," Fernandes told MUTV."He's a really good kid who wants to learn. 'He's eager to learn and listen and he has big, big qualities. He's aggressive off the ball, he's aggressive running with the ball, he's class in tight spaces, and he is just going to get better."
Fernandes was not the only club icon to praise Collyer's contributions in a United shirt. Rio Ferdinand was on commentary during United's 2-1 win over Rangers and appreciated the midfielder's work.
"He's done the simple things well," Ferdinand said on TNT Sports. "Got to people, worked very hard. A good night's work for him, first European game - well done."
Ferdinand had previously spoken positively about Collyer's efforts in the club's FA Cup victory over Arsenal. 'Toby Collyer was excellent when he came on, the energy levels were huge, through the roof. Testament to him,' Ferdinand said on his YouTube Channel.
A few days later, Collyer once again impressed Ferdinand from the bench in a win over Southampton. 'I really like him, I think he's got great energy, he's done that a few times off the bench,' the pundit said on Rio Ferdinand Presents. 'Gives us that extra pair of legs to get amongst it. looks confident, wants to take the ball."
Collyer, who joined United from Brighton's academy in 2022, was determined to impress Amorim during the club's tour of the USA. However, the 21-year-old admitted he may have to head out on loan in search of more game time.
'I think first and foremost I want to be here and play as many games for Man United as possible," Collyer told reporters. "I'll sit down with the manager and higher-ups and see what's the best solution for that. The best way for me to develop, whether it's stay here or go on loan. The end goal for me is to play as many minutes as possible here, hopefully starting every week. So yeah, I'll sit down with them.'
He added: "Obviously, my feeling at this moment is I want to stay. I want to play as many games as possible. I've not really thought that far ahead to be honest. I'll just see how the next few weeks go and then we'll go over those conversations.
"I'll be able to sit down with them and see what's the best solution for that. But yeah, like you said there as well, obviously there's not a lot of time in football. You need to get the results and get the team progressing. So that's what we're working towards at the minute."
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