MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly opened talks with Brighton over a £100million move for Carlos Baleba this month.
The midfielder was a major target for the Red Devils last summer after emerging as one of the Premier League’s best young talents.
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Man Utd have opened talks with Brighton over a £100m January move for Carlos BalebaCredit: Getty
But United were unable to strike a mega-money deal for Baleba, having already splashed out millions on a new forward line.
However, it’s reckoned Ruben Amorim’s side have returned for the 21-year-old in a fresh swoop.
And it could see Baleba swap the Amex for Old Trafford before the end of January.
Sky Sports claim United are “exploring the conditions” to sign a new central midfielder this month.
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They remain huge fans of Baleba after chasing him last summer.
And transfer chiefs are ready to potentially strike a club-record deal for the youngster this winter.
However, United may be left empty handed.
The report adds that Brighton have no interest in selling Baleba, either this month or next summer.
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They see him as a key part of their squad and want to continue building around him in the future.
Baleba himself could be keen though, having had his head turned by United’s interest last year.
It’s reckoned the Red Devils have three other Premier League midfielders on their shortlist too.
The first is Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, who has become a key starter for England boss Thomas Tuchel since his move to the City Ground 18 months ago.
The second is Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, another England hopeful who has gone from strength to strength since leaving the Championship for the top flight.
Finally, the third is Wolves’ Joao Gomes, who has impressed despite his side’s dismal form and could be available for a good price with his team likely to go down.
Indeed, it’s reckoned United want not one but TWO new midfielders in 2026.
Casemiro is approaching the end of his contract and unlikely to win an extension as he enters his advanced years.
Kobbie Mainoo is likely to be sold after failing to convince Amorim of his talents.
While Manuel Ugarte’s future remains unclear after struggling to impress at Old Trafford.
Even Bruno Fernandes could be at risk, with the captain recently revealing United wanted him to leave last summer.
But manager Amorim gave a gloomy update earlier as he claimed United have NO plans to sign anyone in January.
He said: “The transfer window is not going to change. We have no conversations in this moment to have any change in the squad.
“There is a process, there is an idea that is going to continue, we are near the places of Champions League but we are near also eight teams behind us.
“So let’s focus on the next game, just that. And our focus is to win the next game.”
