Manchester United Weighs Up Conditions for Signing Brighton's Carlos Baleba

Manchester United have been exploring the possibility of signing Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba in January, according to Sky Sports News. However, a deal is unlikely to materialize this month as Brighton is keen to retain him until at least the summer. Brighton's deputy chairman, Paul Barber, has stated that the club has no intention of selling the 22-year-old in this window or any future window, citing his talent and potential. Manchester United's priority for 2026 is to sign at least one top central midfielder, with their focus on adding players in the summer. Nevertheless, the club may consider moving for players this month if unique market opportunities arise. Baleba is among the top targets, which also includes Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, and Wolves' Joao Gomes. The club is also assessing younger prospects like Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi and Olympiakos' Christos Mouzakitis. Furthermore, Manchester United is monitoring forward options, including Antoine Semenyo, who seems destined for Manchester City, and Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande. The club is also scouting potential centre-back targets ahead of the summer, including Rennes' Jeremy Jacquet. Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has suggested that there are no ongoing discussions about transfers at Old Trafford, despite the January window being open. The club is currently dealing with a threadbare squad, with up to eight players expected to miss the game against Leeds on Sunday. Amorim has stated that the transfer window is not going to change and that the club has no conversation about making any changes to the squad. Carlos Baleba has expressed his ambition to be the best midfielder in the world and is working hard to learn from other midfielders, including Rodri, Xavi, and Sergio Busquets. He has risen to prominence at Brighton after moving from Cameroon and has made a significant impact in the Premier League.