Manchester United are continuing to strengthen after securing Champions League qualification with an impressive third-place Premier League finish last season.
United have since moved aggressively in the summer transfer window. They signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £48M and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35M.
Additionally, Karl Darlow arrived on a free transfer, while 18-year-old winger Tynan Thompson joined from Tottenham Hotspur.
However, United still want another midfielder before the transfer window closes and have several options under consideration.
According to Sky Sports News, Manchester United have now ‘made movement’ towards revisiting a potential deal for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba.
The 22-year-old has remained on United’s radar following their previous interest before the 2025–26 campaign and again in January.
However, no club-to-club contact has taken place yet, while personal terms are not expected to create a major obstacle.
Brighton valued Baleba at more than £100M when the clubs held transfer discussions last summer. United are not ready to pay anywhere near that figure this time.
Baleba endured a more difficult 2025–26 Premier League campaign after impressing strongly the previous season.
The Cameroon international made 31 league appearances, including 23 starts, while recording 24 interceptions and 58 clearances. However, he failed to score or provide an assist.
Despite that dip in form, United remain long-term admirers and could consider a move if Brighton significantly lower their demands.
A deal around £60M would reportedly become far more attractive to the Old Trafford club.
Meanwhile, United are also considering other midfield options as Carrick looks to complete his midfield rebuild.
Roma midfielder Manu Kone and Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni are among the alternatives being linked with a move.
For now, United have revived their interest in Baleba, but Brighton’s valuation remains crucial to whether their latest movement develops into formal negotiations.
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