Manchester United reportedly held talks over a potential move for Carlos Baleba as recently as February.
That’s according to insider Sully, who states that personal terms are unlikely to be an issue between United and the Brighton and Hove Albion starlet, though a final decision will have to wait until the managerial situation is sorted.
#MUFC have held talks with Carlos Baleba's representatives as early as last month, with the club still rating him highly despite recent form.
Full details below. @centredevils https://t.co/lauSLx1xXC
— Sully (@SullyTalkz) March 18, 2026
United revive Baleba pursuit after failed 2025 approach
United have retained their interest in the ‘absolutely wonderful’ midfielder after first approaching him and Brighton last summer.
At the time, the likes of Laurie Whitwell confirmed that Baleba wanted to complete a switch to Old Trafford, but honoured Brighton’s desires to keep hold of him for at least another year, having only signed in August 2023.
His performances this campaign have faltered somewhat, with manager Fabian Hurzeler even suggesting back in September that United’s interest may have been playing on the Cameroonian’s mind and impacting his form.
“For sure, when a young boy reads there is interest from Manchester United with a big, big offer, it might affect him deep, deep down,” said the Seagulls boss.
“That’s also part of the development to understand that when you play well, there comes a big offer, there comes a big club that wants to have him.”
INEOS set sights on Sandro Tonali coup as well as Baleba
In the meantime, INEOS have also seemingly begun pursuing Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali alongside Baleba.
| Player | Appearances (PL) | Starts | Minutes played |
| Baleba | 85 | 65 | 5,267 |
| Tonali | 73 | 58 | 5,115 |
An update from reputable German journalist Christopher Michel revealed this morning that United are ‘seriously working’ on a deal for the 25-year-old, who is ‘apparently quite open’ to signing for the 20-time champions.
I’ve heard that #MUFC are seriously working on a move for Sandro Tonali. And the Italian midfielder is apparently quite open to a move to Manchester. The club have been keeping tabs on him for a long time. Would he be a good signing?
— Christopher Michel (@CMoffiziell) March 18, 2026
United have been actively monitoring Tonali for a ‘long time’, and think now is the most suitable time to test the Magpies’ resolve – presumably because the player’s agent already suggested he could leave St. James’ Park if Newcastle fail to qualify for the Champions League, and they currently sit ninth-placed in the league.
🔺 NEW: Sandro Tonali’s agent has revealed that the player is considering leaving Newcastle United in the summer and may need Champions League football to tempt him to stay at St James’ Park.
Read the details ⬇️https://t.co/5yOmwSEJKz
— Times Sport (@TimesSport) February 6, 2026
Go for Gomez (Wolves) and Tonali. Forget Baleba and other blokes like Wharton and Anderson. They are not worth the money that is being demanded for them.