Manchester United are preparing a January move for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to reports. The 20-year-old Cameroon international has reportedly urged the Seagulls to accept a suitable offer, with a desire to join the Red Devils regardless of their European qualification status.
Journalist Shaun Connolly claims that United are planning to launch an official bid to fend off interest from rivals. Baleba, who joined Brighton from Lille in 2023, has a release clause believed to be in the region of £70m, though some sources have suggested a higher price tag of £115m+.
United spent over £210m in the summer on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens, but midfield remains a priority for manager Ruben Amorim. A holding midfielder is seen as a key target, and Baleba is considered a potential fit, though the high valuation could complicate a January deal.
In addition to midfield reinforcements, United are also monitoring Sporting CP centre-back Zeno Debast, who has a £70m release clause. The 21-year-old Belgian has been scouted by United, but questions remain over his ability at the top level, and the club may seek a structured financial package rather than meeting the clause outright.
