All the latest transfer news and gossip from Brighton and Hove Albion and across the Premier League
Manchester United are once again in for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, according the latest from Sky Sports.
United tried to sign the Cameroon international late in last summer's window but Brighton's £100m-plus valuation cooled interest.
The speculation disrupted Baleba and the 21-year-old had a poor season by his high standards as a result.
The Brighton man is back pre-season training with the Seagulls and will head to France this week as part of the club's training camp.
United unsettled Baleba last season
The latest rumours will be an unwelcome for development for all at Brighton who are determined to avoid a repeat of last season.
United though have long standing interest in Baleba and Michael Carrick's team are determined to revamp their midfield as they prepare to juggle Champions League and Premier League football next term.
Sky Sports reported today that Baleba and Roma midfielder Manu Koné top United's list of transfer targets as they look to add to the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
Sky Sports reporter James Savundra said: "We understand these two players, Manu Kone and Carlos Baleba, are two players very high up on the United's shortlist right now. They're very strongly being considered.
"Now, we know Carlos Baleba has been a long-term player of interest for Manchester United. They approached Brighton last summer about him. They've always had that interest in him.
Revisit the deal
"We understand that there has been a bit of movement when it comes to revisiting a potential deal for Baleba. He added: "Now, the slight complications here are Brighton have a very high valuation of the player.
"And for United, they feel there would need to be some negotiation when it comes to that valuation for this deal to be made a reality.
"So no club-to-club contact yet, but there would need to be a compromise. It's felt on United's side for there to be a transfer."
Kone, 25, currently plays his club football in Serie A with Roma and is contracted until June 2029.
"As it comes to Manu Kone, we saw him impressed with France largely during the World Cup.
“This one feels slightly more gettable at this moment in time. It probably will be a fee lower than what we can expect for Carlos Baleba. He's viewed as an alternative target.
"Now, sources in France suggest that Manchester United are in pole position to sign Manu Kone. We understand that there's no rush from United's part to get either of these deals done because United know they need to explore other areas of that squad to try and reinforce it for what Michael Carrick this season, Champions League football.
Baleba and Kone high on the list
"But these two players are very high up on the shortlist. There's a long list of midfielders. United have already signed two. They've missed out on a few already, but Baleba and Kone, two options who are being strongly considered right now."
Baleba joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 for around £15m and is contracted with Brighton until 2028, with an option for a further year.