Man United end deadline without midfield signing, focus on keeper

Manchester United entered the transfer deadline on Monday without plans to sign a new central midfielder, instead wrapping up goalkeeping business and opting to rely on their existing midfield group, club sources said. The decision comes after a busy summer for the squad, recent injuries to key players and renewed interest in several midfield targets, but with Brighton reluctant to sell and reported valuation gaps preventing a deal.

United are understood to have reached agreement in principle to sign a goalkeeper from Royal Antwerp, with personal terms agreed and the clubs working to complete the paperwork before the 7pm deadline, sources said. That move was described as the final priority for Deadline Day, leaving the club to stand pat in central midfield despite injury concerns to Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha in Saturday’s win over Burnley. Both players were withdrawn early, but United expect Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo to shoulder midfield duties through at least January, according to club communications.

Interest in Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba was a recurring theme throughout the window. Reports suggested United held talks and that the player would be...