Man Utd suffer Carlos Baleba transfer blow - Middlesbrough and Southampton stars could fill the void | OneFootball

FLW identifies two EFL options that the Red Devils could consider as they look set to miss out on a deal for Brighton's Carlos Baleba.

Manchester United have pulled out of the race to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, but the Red Devils could find a suitable alternative if they turn their attention to the EFL.

It was revealed by BBC Sport on Saturday that the Red Devils have called off their attempts to lure the 21-year-old Seagulls star to Old Trafford this summer.

United feel that in order to get Brighton to change their transfer stance regarding the Cameroon international's future, it would become too expensive of a deal to complete anyway.

Therefore, Ruben Amorim must now set his sights elsewhere in order to bolster his options in the middle of the park before the 1 September deadline.

Football League World takes a look at two players currently playing their football in the Championship who could be plausible alternative options for United.

Hayden Hackney - Middlesbrough

The North East is truly one of England's biggest footballing hotbeds, and there's a certain midfielder on Teesside who is turning heads across European football.

Hayden Hackney has been starring in Middlesbrough's midfield over the last few years, having established himself as a first-team regular back in the 2022/23 season after developing through Boro's academy system.

At 23, the England youth international has now proven himself to be among the very best box-to-box midfielders in the Championship, and looks more than ready to test himself at Premier League level.

United have been following Hackney's progress for some time now, and were even reported as potentially plotting to hijack Ipswich Town's move for him at the beginning of August, one that the player ultimately decided to snub after a Championship-record deal was agreed between the two clubs.

With that deal now off the table, the Red Devils could now spot an opportunity to pounce on the Boro star, especially after Middlesbrough have significantly bolstered their own central midfield options this summer with the addition of Abdoulaye Kante, and the imminent loan signing of Man City's Sverre Nypan respectively.

Similarly to Baleba, Hackney is an excellent ball-carrying midfielder, often seen dropping deep into his own half to get on the ball, before powerfully bringing the ball down the pitch and playing progressive passes into his forwards.

Also like Baleba, the Boro man was among the very best among his divisional peers last season, as per FotMob, for duels won and recoveries, highlighting his ability to be a real presence in the defensive side of the game too.

Mateus Fernandes - Southampton

Southampton's standout performer and one of the few Saints players who came out of their 12-point 24/25 Premier League campaign with their head held high, Mateus Fernandes looks to have all the makings of a top central midfielder of the future.

Having only just turned 21 in July, the Portugal youth international was superb in the top-flight last season, grabbing two goals and providing four assists in 36 appearances, subsequently not looking out of place at that level whatsoever.

Capable of playing every kind of pass in the book, whilst also showing real quality when it comes to dribbling and tackling, the former Sporting CP talent is comfortable operating as a six, eight or in the number ten role.

Therefore, he could be moulded into whatever sort of midfielder Man United want him to be, whilst being a flexible and versatile option capable of stepping into any situation in the middle of the park.

Amorim is understood to be an admirer of Fernandes, having worked with him and enabled him to take his first steps in the senior game during their time together at Sporting.

Therefore, Old Trafford could be an ideal landing spot for the Southampton star, and one that could make a lot of sense for a host of reasons.