Carlos Baleba has reportedly ‘privately expressed a desire’ to play alongside his compatriot, Bryan Mbeumo, at Manchester United.
That’s according to MailSport’s Nathan Salt, who, last week, reported that the Brighton and Hove Albion starlet could be available for around £75 million this summer, despite his club valuing him at above £100 million.
United sources refusing to rule out a late loan for a midfielder.
But Ineos are gambling big time if they opt against it between now and Monday’s deadline with UCL a must.
That + a few other Qs in here #mufc https://t.co/rvX5o5DxDU
— Nathan Salt (@NathSalt1) January 27, 2026
He adds that Baleba’s hopes to join United have made them ‘somewhat relaxed’ around their potential pursuit, given personal terms are highly unlikely to be a problem to negotiate.
As well as Baleba: Who else are United eyeing up?
The 22-year-old is one of three main midfield targets on United’s shortlist for the summer window.
Keen to bolster the ranks with young but Premier League-proven options, INEOS chiefs have identified Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson as the most suitable candidates to succeed the departing Casemiro.
| Player | Appearances (starts) | Average Fotmob rating |
| Anderson | 23 (23) | 7.43 |
| Baleba | 18 (14) | 6.57 |
| Wharton | 21 (21) | 7.06 |
Read more: Not only Casemiro – The Athletic names another Ten Hag signing who will leave Man United
Rivals in the mix for Wharton
Liverpool are actively looking to lay the groundwork for a deal for Wharton before the culmination of the campaign, which may make the race for the Champions League places even more competitive when transfers for both United and their arch-rivals on Merseyside depend on it.
The young England star being sold this year would only add to Crystal Palace fans’ woes after they lost Eberechi Eze to Arsenal last August and Marc Guehi, their captain, to Manchester City a fortnight ago.
What’s more, Oliver Glasner has confirmed he will be leaving Selhurst Park when his contract expires in June, and top goalscorer Jean-Philippe Mateta has asked to leave before the February 2 deadline.
The only potential positive that could come from Wharton parting ways is that he’s sure to generate a sizeable transfer fee that can then be reinvested.
Additionally, Nottingham Forest will do their utmost to keep hold of Anderson, who is said to be planning on waiting until after the World Cup to make a concrete decision on his future.
