Overview
- Multiple outlets report growing optimism at Manchester United about signing Carlos Baleba in the summer, with previous estimates placing his fee in the £80–100m range.
- Manchester Evening News reports United are not planning January signings under caretaker Michael Carrick, with spending directed toward end-of-season moves.
- Brighton deputy chairman Paul Barber has stated there are no plans to sell Baleba in this window and said there has been no contact from United, with the midfielder contracted until 2028.
- United were priced out of a deal last summer after spending roughly £215–230m and deciding against meeting Brighton’s valuation.
- The pursuit of Baleba is part of a wider midfield rebuild, with reported shortlists including Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Alex Scott as the club assesses potential departures of senior midfielders.