Manchester United legend Jaap Stam has urged his former club to sign Brighton's Carlos Baleba and Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali this summer, as the Red Devils prepare to finalize their first signing under Michael Carrick.
Ederson deal agreed
United have agreed a £35 million deal with Atalanta for Brazilian midfielder Ederson, who will join after the World Cup. The 24-year-old is set to become Carrick's first acquisition, but Stam believes more midfield reinforcements are needed.
Casemiro has already left the club, and Manuel Ugarte is available for transfer after two disappointing seasons. West Ham's Mateus Fernandes is also a target, with United reportedly leading Real Madrid and Arsenal for his signature.
Stam's standout targets
Speaking to ComeOn, Stam said: 'I like Carlos Baleba from Brighton, he still stands out to me. I also really like Sandro Tonali from Newcastle for that role. These two stand out for me as players I'd like at Manchester United.'
Baleba, 22, was linked with United last summer but endured a frustrating season at Brighton. He is believed to be keen on a move to Old Trafford. Tonali, meanwhile, is expected to leave Newcastle, with Tottenham having a £75 million bid rejected. United have long-standing interest but are reluctant to meet Newcastle's £85 million asking price.
Transfer challenges
Stam acknowledged the difficulty of such deals: 'It's not easy to bring in these players because, nowadays, the transfer fees are very high. But if you want to be successful, you need to be very good in your recruitment, looking at your system and who you need to bring in. You also need to spend, which everyone knows. It is very important to make the right decisions.'
Former England midfielder Danny Murphy also weighed in, naming Tonali and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson as 'obvious' targets. 'Both players have wonderful energy and great tenacity,' Murphy told NetBet football. 'They are the perfect type of Premier League midfielders who would improve United. If I was the head of recruitment at United, I'd be doing everything I can to get one of those two.'
