Aurelien Tchouameni and five players who could join Man Utd before Deadline Day

4 Aug 2026 12:28 BST | 4 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

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Manchester United have already completed the signings of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, Tynan Thompson and Karl Darlow so far this summer, but they remain eager to bolster the squad at Michael Carrick’s disposal.

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The Red Devils are back in the Champions League following an impressive 2025-26 campaign and it’s understood that a new central midfielder and a new left-back remain priorities for the final few weeks of the summer window.

Below, FootballTransfers runs through five players who could join Man Utd before the end of Deadline Day on 1 September.

Current ETV

Aurélien Tchouaméni

DM, M (C)

Real Madrid

Aurélien Tchouaméni

DM, M (C)

Real Madrid

ETV Range

€56.8M - €69.5M

Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid)

Aurelien Tchouameni is widely regarded as Man Utd’s dream central midfield target and rumours indicate that Real Madrid may be amenable to a sale if they are able to finalise a deal with Manchester City for Rodri.

The France international is viewed as one of the best defensive midfielders in world football and the Man Utd hierarchy have earmarked him as an ideal partner for Kobbie Mainoo in the middle of the park at Old Trafford.

However, a deal for Tchouameni is likely to cost in excess of €100 million and it remains to be seen if Man Utd are ready to make such a statement signing before the window shuts.

Lewis Hall (Newcastle)

Lewis Hall is Man Utd’s primary left-back target and while Newcastle United are extremely reluctant to sanction a sale, he could secure a move to Old Trafford this month.

The England defender has established himself as one of the best full-backs in the Premier League over the past 12 months and Man Utd are keen to finalise a transfer as they look to sign a player capable of competing with Luke Shaw for a starting XI place.

Newcastle have no interest in selling Hall following the departures of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon, although it’s reported that he is open to an exit if Man Utd submit a suitable contract proposal.

Manu Kone (AS Roma)

Manu Kone has been on Man Utd’s radar for several months and rumours of a transfer have intensified following his eye-catching form for France at the 2026 World Cup.

The AS Roma midfielder is valued at €50m and he would likely prove to be a bargain signing at that price, especially as his current contract doesn’t expire until 2029.

Man Utd are believed to be Kone’s biggest suitors at present, although links with the Frenchman have died down in recent days, following Mason Mount’s impressive form in pre-season.

Carlos Baleba (Brighton)

In addition to Kone, Man Utd also remain interested in Carlos Baleba, having failed to sign the Brighton & Hove Albion star last summer.

The Cameroon international reached a full agreement on personal terms with the Red Devils in 2025, but the deal collapsed due to Brighton’s asking price, and Man Utd remain eager to finalise a transfer for the correct fee.

Rumours of a Brighton exit have diminished after an underwhelming 2025-26 season, however he is still on Man Utd’s radar and the club could look to finally sign him as they aim to add another new midfielder to Carrick’s squad.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)

Finally, Man Utd have been linked with a sensational move for Arsenal starlet Myles Lewis-Skelly in the wake of the Gunners’ pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes.

With the Brazil star potentially set to arrive in north London before Deadline Day, Man Utd have added Lewis-Skelly to their transfer shortlist as they look to take advantage of the fact he is likely to drop down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium.

The Red Devils are huge fans of Lewis-Skelly’s versatility, given his ability to play at left-back or as a midfielder, and while a deal remains unlikely, they have been tipped to lodge an approach.