Manchester United failed to sign a midfielder during the transfer window with Carlos Baleba among their top targets in the summer and Ruben Amorim's side could yet return for his signature
Manchester United target Carlos Baleba in action for Brighton.
Manchester United target Carlos Baleba in action for Brighton.(Image: Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)
Brighton star Carlos Baleba was 'very open' to joining Manchester United, despite a move not coming to fruition this summer.
United failed to bring in a central midfielder during the transfer window after registering their interest in landing the Seagulls' star shortly after completing the signing of forward Benjamin Sesko.
Brighton swiftly informed the club that Baleba wasn't for sale, and are said to have placed a £115million valuation on the Cameroon international having previously sold Moises Caicedo for that figure to Chelsea.
United soon informed their Premier League rivals they would not be pursuing a move, but their desire to sign the midfielder has not entirely waned, even with the transfer window now closed.
Ruben Amorim's side ultimately chose to wait in their quest to strengthen in the centre of the pitch, but did see a loan move for Conor Gallagher turned down by Atletico Madrid - according to reports.
United's ambitions clearly surround getting a deal over the line for Baleba in the future. Personal terms are already said to be agreed ahead of a possible move, per The Athletic.
According to Fabrizio Romano, meanwhile, the player remains on the side's shortlist for 2026, and United were happy to learn that the Brighton ace was interested in a move over the summer despite not being able to offer European football.
Plans are in place for United chiefs to meet Baleba in September as they attempt to lay the foundations over a future deal, with midfield previously established as an area to strengthen.
The 21-year-old was not in Cameroon's squad for their victory over Eswatini in which both Bryan Mbeumo and Andre Onana started. Summer signing Mbeumo assisted Georges-Kevin N'Koudou in the 3-0 win.
If Baleba does join in the future, he could be short of a familiar face in Onana, however. The goalkeeper is expected to join Turkish side Trabzonspor.
The Super Lig window remains open until September 12, and Onana is said to have agreed to join Trabzonspor on a loan deal until the end of the season following the arrival of Senne Lammens at Old Trafford.
Onana has only featured in United's defeat Grimsby so far this season and committed two crucial errors to concede goals before the Carabao Cup tie went to penalties.
The former Ajax and Inter Milan stopper is set to undergo a medical, but Trabzonspor are not expected to have the option to make the move permanent next summer.
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