Manchester United have kept a relatively low profile in the January transfer window so far, but their interest in Brighton star Carlos Baleba still lingers
Brighton and Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba before the Premier League match at Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton
Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba has long been linked with a transfer to Manchester United(Image: PA)
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Carlos Baleba has already made his thoughts clear on a transfer to Manchester United. The Brighton midfielder has been linked with a move to Old Trafford since last summer.
Eager to give Ruben Amorim some ammunition, United spent over £200million in the last window, securing a trio of marquee signings in the form of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. Senne Lammens also arrived as a new first-choice goalkeeper.
Such additions couldn't keep Amorim in a job, and the Portuguese boss was sacked after roughly 14 months in charge, with Michael Carrick installed. On the topic of exits, it has been confirmed that Casemiro will leave the club at the end of this season.
The Brazilian's departure will create a gaping hole in the midfield, and a replacement is an assumed top priority. United were heavily linked with Brighton's Baleba over the summer, and whether it be a shock last-minute deal on deadline day or a summer snap-up, the 22-year-old has made his true feelings about a move to Old Trafford very clear.
Last summer, United reportedly began exploratory talks with Brighton over a move for Baleba, but a valuation of £115million was supposedly slapped on the table.
This deterred United from making a strong approach for Baleba, but multiple reports suggest he is still on their radar. Some even claim that this month, the possibility of a January transfer was explored, but any move is more likely to happen in the summer.
Carlos Baleba battles with Bruno Fernandes for possession during a difficult performance against Manchester United
United reportedly looked at Baleba in the summer(Image: Getty)
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Nevertheless, with Baleba still seemingly on United's agenda, his admission to Sky Sports back in August regarding transfer speculation speaks volumes.
"I don't really think like that: playing for two or three years and then leaving. Me? I just work. In my head it's all about working and helping my club," Baleba said.
"If I can help a team-mate, I will. If they can help me, I'll accept that help to push forward and develop. So, I just work to help my team and myself progress in the future.
"In return, everyone who helps me wants me to go to the highest level. And if there are big clubs who want me, it's not something that worries me or gets me excited.
Baleba Carlos Noom Quomah of Cameroon gestures
The midfielder is international team-mates with Mbeumo(Image: Getty)
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"I just need to work hard and keep a cool head. I don't know if I'm going to be the star or the next big thing. For me, being the star is quite a lot.
"Everyone talking about you, singing your name? That just doesn't do it for me. It's not something that gets me running. I just prefer getting my head down and working on the pitch."
While this attitude does not help United's approach for the headstrong Baleba, these traits are admirable and would only strengthen their desire to seal a move for the Cameroonian in this window or the next.