Manchester United are looking to seal the signing of Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba this summer, according to TEAMtalk.
The Red Devils boosted their chances of qualifying for next season's Champions League, for the first time since 2023, as their 3-1 win against fellow top-four hopefuls Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday cemented third spot for them in the Premier League table.
Securing a spot in Europe's elite club competition for 2026-27 is likely to also boost their summer transfer budget, with Man United officials already having big plans for certain positions.
According to GIVEMESPORT sources, United are looking to sign two central midfielders during the summer window, with the position being viewed as one of the weakest in the squad.
It will be further hit by the exit of Casemiro at the end of the season, when his contract at Old Trafford expires. Despite reports to the contrary, GMS understands there is no chance of the Brazilian or United performing a U-turn about his future.
Man United 'Firmly Lead Race' to Sign Baleba
Carlos Baleba during a Brighton & Hove Albion pre-match warm-up
According to TEAMtalk, Brighton have identified their long-term replacement for Baleba, who United are expected to try and sign this summer.
The Seagulls view Caleb Yirenkyi as a player capable of following Baleba's career trajectory at the Amex, which has led to attention from the Premier League's elite.
The south coast side expect to lose the Cameroon international at the end of the season, with United in pole position to sign the player they were also keen to land last summer.
Brighton currently value Baleba at £100m, as they did last summer, but insiders believe a deal could be struck for £70m in the summer window, especially given his performances have dropped off this term.
Baleba 'Agreed' to Join United Last Summer
Carlos Baleba in action for Brighton & Hove Albion
The Athletic reported in the summer that Baleba 'agreed personal terms' to make the move to Old Trafford, although the clubs were unable to agree a fee for his services.
Given the 22-year-old was willing to join United after they finished 15th and had no European football this season, his mind is unlikely to have changed as they get closer to securing a Champions League spot for 2026-27.
Indeed, the Daily Mail reported in January that he has expressed a private desire to make the move in the near future, with the summer being the next opportunity.
Now United must decide whether Baleba is going to be one of the two central midfielders they target, with Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton among their other targets, according to GIVEMESPORT sources.
Baleba Red Flags Emerge
baleba brighton
One of the potential worries about signing Baleba, especially for a fee of between £70-100m, is his largely disappointing form this season.
United will believe they will get the version of the 22-year-old who was so good for Brighton prior to this season, but he has been hooked at half-time on more than one occasion this term by Fabian Hurzeler, while he was actually substituted off in the 22nd minute of defeat to Aston Villa last month.
United will need to trust that the Baleba they want and have seen the potential from previously can live up to expectations should a deal go through.