Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba remains a firm target for Manchester United this summer, according to a report from The Sun.
United head coach Michael Carrick has made revamping the engine room a priority as the club looks to strengthen its squad heading into the new season.
Baleba, 22, originally joined Brighton from LOSC Lille in 2023 as a direct replacement for Moisés Caicedo after the Ecuadorian departed for a big fee.
The Cameroonian took time to adjust to Premier League football initially but showed considerable promise during the 2024/25 campaign, registering six goal contributions across 40 appearances in all competitions.
Manchester United first expressed firm interest in signing Baleba last summer, though Brighton refused to sanction a departure at that time.
The Seagulls had previously placed a valuation of around £100m on the player, though they may be willing to lower their asking price this summer.
Baleba himself is reported to be open to making the move to Old Trafford, with his current contract at Brighton running until 2028.
Despite a difficult last campaign in which he featured primarily as a rotational option under head coach Fabian Hurzeler, United have not cooled their interest in the midfielder.
Carrick’s side have also been monitoring West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes and AFC Bournemouth’s Alex Scott as part of their broader midfield recruitment plans this summer.
United had been heavily interested in Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and were prepared to spend over £100m, but Manchester City are now leading that particular race.
With the Anderson pursuit looking unlikely to succeed, United have shifted focus and are planning to reinvest their budget into signing two new midfielders before the window closes.
Baleba is described as a technically sound, left-footed defensive midfielder who offers pace, long-range passing ability, and the capacity to make surging runs from deep positions.
His defensive contributions have also drawn significant praise, and despite his recent dip in form, his age and physical profile suggest his best years remain well ahead of him.
United’s move for Baleba will gather further attention in the coming weeks as Carrick looks to put his stamp on the squad at Old Trafford.