Reporter Ben Jacobs has identified Manchester United’s three “most viable” targets as they look to complete their third midfield signing of the summer.

It has been widely reported over recent months that the Red Devils are planning to bring in three midfielders during this transfer window.

That stance is understandable because they are light on options after Casemiro’s departure, while Manuel Ugarte has picked up a serious knee injury.

Manchester United have missed out on several targets, but they have already spent around £85m to sign Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.

United’s third and final midfield addition is expected to be a more defensive player, but they have been linked with countless possible candidates and it remains unclear whether they have a clear No.1 target.

However, Jacobs has now said that Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Fulham’s Sander Berge and AFC Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams are currently the most likely options to become Manchester United’s next midfield arrival.

“I think if they want Baleba, they can get Baleba. If they want Berge, they can get Berge. If they want Adams, they can get Adams,” Jacobs said on United Stand.

“So those are the three most viable names, but there’s also the scenario now where it’s only two midfielders because they won’t panic buy a third.”

Among those possible deals, Baleba may no longer be an option because respected reporter David Ornstein revealed on Thursday afternoon that the Brighton midfielder is set for a spell on the sidelines.

Ornstein said: “Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba has suffered an ankle ligament injury and is a doubt for the start of the 2026-27 campaign.

“Baleba is expected to spend a period on the sidelines but Brighton hope the problem is not a long-term one.”

On Adams, Jacobs has said Bournemouth would be prepared to sell as long as they receive £50m for the midfielder.

Jacobs added: “Tyler Adams would be keen on a move to Man United.

“While he’s not seen as unsellable by Bournemouth, the price is expected to be around £50 million, rather than around £35 million which has been mentioned.”

On Berge, he continued: “Sander Berge is still an opportunity, even though Man United have looked at other options recently.”

AS Roma and France star Manu Kone has also been linked with Manchester United, but Jacobs has explained why the Red Devils may not move for him this summer.

“I think Kone will depend on whether or not, in particular, Jason Wilcox is sold,” Jacobs claimed.

“From my understanding, Christopher Vivell was one of the names who put the midfielder forward.

“Michael Carrick would still perhaps prefer a name that has proven Premier League experience, or at the other extreme, is a kind of Tchouameni type of player.

“So there’s not that uniform, all in, everyone wants to go for Kone, yet.”