Manchester United have reignited their interest in Carlos Baleba, exploring a January move for the Brighton star.
Ater rebuilding their attack during the summer transfer window, United opened talks with Brighton over a move for the Cameroon international in August.
However, the Manchester club quickly shelved their interest when it became clear the Seagulls would not budge on their valuation, thought to be in the excess of £100million.
Casemiro’s expiring contract and doubts over the futures of Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo have only heightened the need for United to make major additions in midfield in 2026.
Baleba remains on a shortlist of targets that also includes Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
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All three were thought to be out of United’s reach this month – but Sky Sports now report United have ‘explored the conditions’ to bring Baleba to Old Trafford in the coming weeks.
However, a deal is not expected t go through this month with Brighton determined to keep him until the end of the season.
Ruben Amorim also insisted on Friday there are no ongoing discussions regarding new arrivals.
‘The transfer window is not going to change. We have no conversation in this moment to have any change in the squad,’ Amorim said.
“There’s the process. There’s an idea that is going to continue. We are near the places of Champions League, but we are also near eight teams behind us. So let’s focus on the next game.’
Baleba is currently with Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations – alongside United star Bryan Mbeumo who reportedly encouraged the midfielder to join him in Manchester last year.
The 21-year-old’s form has dipped dramatically this season, however, struggling to reach the levels that saw United identify him as a top target heading into the 2025-26 campaign.
But Baleba recently insisted speculation over a move to United was not the reason behind his faltering form.
‘I don’t think it affected me. But I had a lot of pressure on me.
‘When I started the season, I wanted to [have] the same performances as last season. Every day I try to work hard and to get [back] to my level.
‘Did I put too much pressure on myself? Yes, I think so, but I think that’s good.’
