Manchester United are currently considered the frontrunners to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, though other targets remain higher on their list, according to journalist Ben Jacobs. The club previously held talks with Baleba last summer, even reaching an agreement on personal terms, but a deal was blocked by Brighton’s £100 million asking price.
Brighton have since lowered their valuation to between £70-80 million, partially due to a dip in Baleba’s form following the speculation surrounding a potential move to Old Trafford. United’s existing groundwork on a deal, including the agreed personal terms, puts them in a strong position should they choose to pursue the 22-year-old.
However, Jacobs reports that United’s priority lies with Aurelien Tchouameni and Alex Scott, with Ayyoub Bouaddi also emerging as a potential target. Bouaddi’s situation is complicated by the possibility of a loan back to Lille, potentially altering the transfer fee structure. Lille are reportedly seeking €100 million (£86m) for an immediate sale, or €75-80 million (£64-68.5m) for a deal including a loan period.
The pursuit of Baleba comes as United reassess their midfield options after missing out on Elliot Anderson, who joined Manchester City, and Mateus Fernandes, who signed with Tottenham Hotspur. Earlier reports indicated Tchouameni was the club’s primary target, but complications have arisen in that pursuit. Baleba’s availability and pre-existing agreement on personal terms offer a potentially smoother path to strengthening United’s midfield ahead of the new season. Securing Baleba would provide a dynamic presence in midfield, while addressing a key area for improvement within the squad.
