Manchester United’s pursuit of midfield reinforcements has taken a significant turn, as the club has decided to step back from their interest in Carlos Baleba and Alex Scott. The decision comes amid concerns that the asking prices for both players are excessively high.

The Red Devils are still keen on acquiring another central midfielder before the transfer window closes, but their recruitment team is determined to avoid overpaying for young talent with proven track records in the Premier League.

So far, Manchester United has welcomed Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos to the squad, enhancing manager Michael Carrick's options in the midfield. The current priority remains to find a more defensive and physical presence capable of shielding the backline while facilitating ball progression under pressure.

According to TEAMtalk, the club has cooled its interest in Baleba and Scott due to unrealistic fee demands from their respective clubs. Highlights include:

• Brighton values Baleba at around £100 million, while United sees him closer to £50 million.
• Bournemouth has placed Scott in a similarly high price range, despite his rejection of a new contract.

In light of these valuations, Fulham's Sander Berge, valued below £40 million, has surfaced as a more viable option. While Berge may not possess the same allure as Baleba or Scott, his Premier League experience and defensive capabilities present a lower financial risk.

Reports suggest that United remains vigilant regarding their midfield targets, mindful that patience may yield better opportunities as the window progresses. The focus is on avoiding another overpriced transfer while addressing other squad needs in left-back and attack.