Manchester United could switch their attention towards Mikel Jauregizar in case they are unable to land Carlos Baleba in this window.

According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Manchester United could draw up a list of alternative midfield targets should they fail in their pursuit of Carlos Baleba. Athletic Club’s Mikel Jauregizar is a potential option for the Red Devils, although a move for the midfielder might enter into complexities the club may not want in the pursuit.

Manchester United have continued to accelerate their rebuilding of the current squad, with Benjamin Sesko set to become their latest addition. Having fortified their attacking options, the focus has already shifted towards building the midfield, as the club have made their move for a key target.

Manchester United approached Brighton & Hove Albion for their key midfielder Carlos Baleba, but there are plenty of complications to get this deal over the line. The player might be open to joining the Red Devils, although the asking price demanded by the Seagulls may prove prohibitive, as they are reportedly seeking a fee of over £100 million.

Whether Manchester United are in a position to pay as much or convince Brighton at this stage of the window has clouded the pursuit of Baleba. However, the Red Devils are prepared to pivot to alternative options, as there are links to several names, including Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand, who was a favourite of Ruben Amorim during his time at the Portuguese club.

A move for Hjulmand may seem unlikely considering his release clause and Sporting CP’s unwillingness to sell. Among the other alternatives, the name of Mikel Jauregizar stands out, as the 21-year-old midfield prospect from La Liga is one of those players that top clubs are looking at for their midfield.

Mikel Jauregizar on Manchester United’s radar

Liverpool were linked with Mikel Jauregizar earlier, but no headway has been made by way of an approach. Manchester United may view the Basque midfielder as a big option to fortify their midfield and as a viable option for Baleba.

Athletic Club may not be open to a sale at this moment, given that the player has plenty of incentives, including Champions League football, to stay at the club. Moreover, he is thought to have a release clause, something the Spanish side may demand in full, which may cause concerns for Manchester United in their effort to land the 21-year-old La Liga midfield prospect.