Fabrizio Romano: Man Utd 'in contact' with Premier League star who 'would love' Old Trafford transfer
Man Utd remain interested in Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba as they weigh up options to strengthen their midfield
Manchester United remain interested in Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba and the player ‘would love’ to make the move to Old Trafford, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has said.
United expressed a strong interest in Baleba during the summer but they were unable to complete a deal as the Seagulls demanded £100m-plus to part ways with the defensive midfielder.
The feeling at the Amex Stadium at the time was that Baleba could become as good as Moises Caicedo. The combative star was sold to Chelsea for £115m in 2023 and Brighton want a similar amount when they decide to part ways with Baleba.
The Red Devils need to begin strengthening their defensive midfield with Casemiro out of contract this summer and questions over Manuel Ugarte’s ability to be able to step into the role.
Baleba could transform United’s midfield and help to add more consistency to Ruben Amorim’s squad. There has been improvement under the former Sporting CP boss this campaign but United remain adrift in the race for the Champions League spots and have had some poor results along with their positive ones.
Discussing United's pursuit of the Brighton midfielder, Romano said on his YouTube channel on Saturday night: "Man United remain in contact with the player. It's not a secret since August, I've been telling you, that Carlos Baleba would love to move to Man United.
"Man United are on it. Baleba remains one of the main names on their shortlist. But in terms of making a deal happen in the January transfer window, from Brighton the message is very clear - they want to keep hold of Baleba in January. So I think the only way to make a deal happen in January would be a very big, crazy proposal."
Baleba is not the only defensive midfielder linked with United as Adam Wharton, Elliott Anderson and Conor Gallagher are also on their radar. Anderson would also cost around £100m and is attracting interest from Manchester City while Wharton is valued highly too.
Gallagher is widely reported to be available for around £26m and might prove to be the most affordable option for the Red Devils. The Atletico Madrid man does have experience in the Premier League with Chelsea and Crystal Palace.
Baleba is currently with United summer signing Bryan Mbeumo at the African Cup of Nations with both Premier League stars part of the Cameroon squad for the tournament.