Man Utd switch information: Carlos Baleba signing situations explored however no deal anticipated with Brighton in January switch window

Manchester United have explored the situations of signing Brighton’s Carlos Baleba in January, Sky Sports activities Information can reveal.

Nevertheless, a deal isn’t anticipated to progress any additional this month, with Brighton eager to maintain him till at the least the summer time, when there’s anticipated to be a marketplace for central midfielders.

It’s understood Man Utd’s precedence in 2026 is signing at the least one – possibly two – prime central midfielders.

Their focus stays on including them in the summertime, however Sky Sports activities Information has already reported United might transfer for gamers this month if distinctive market alternatives come up.

Baleba is on an inventory of prime targets that additionally contains Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Wolves’ Joao Gomes.

Sky Sports activities Information also can reveal United are youthful prospects comparable to Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi and Olympiakos’ Christos Mouzakitis.

Sky Sports activities Information reported this week they’re additionally persevering with to evaluate ahead choices, with Antoine Semenyo seemingly destined for Manchester Metropolis, and are monitoring the conditions round Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.

Sky Sports activities Information additionally completely revealed on Thursday they’re scouting potential centre-back targets forward of the summer time, together with Rennes’ Jeremy Jacquet.

Amorim: No ongoing conversations about transfers at Man Utd

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has prompt there aren’t any ongoing discussions about transfers at Outdated Trafford, regardless of the January window being open.

United journey to Leeds on Sunday with a threadbare squad, with as much as eight gamers anticipated to overlook the sport.

Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo should not anticipated to return from damage, whereas Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazrouai are away on Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) responsibility.

Requested if the membership are engaged on reinforcing the squad this window to assist transfer up the desk, Amorim mentioned: “The transfer window is not going to change. We have no conversation in this moment to have any change in the squad.

“There’s the method. There’s an thought that’s going to proceed. We’re close to the locations of Champions League, however we’re additionally close to eight groups behind us. So let’s deal with the subsequent sport.”

United forward Joshua Zirkzee has been heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford. Prodded further as to whether players had come to him to ask to leave the club this window, Amorim added: “No. None of them. I do not anticipate them to return to me to ask for something.”

Baleba: I need to be the most effective midfielder on the planet

Earlier than heading to AFCON, Baleba sat down with Sky Sports activities’ Will Bitibiri to talk about his rise to prominence at Brighton and Cameroon’s upcoming event.

“It’s an ambition [of mine] to be the best midfielder in the world. I just want to work hard, to take some advice, to take something from the midfielders. Not just in the Premier League, because I learned a lot from here,” he mentioned.

“Rodri and others, but I try to take [lessons from] outside of the Premier League. Like Ligue 1, Vitinha or Joao Neves.

“In LaLiga, Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta, [Sergio] Busquets. I attempt to study day-after-day. I am watching them on YouTube.”

Baleba took his love for the sport to France from Douala, Cameroon, with Lille beckoning. After rising via the ranks in France, a transfer to Brighton and the Premier League quickly adopted. He made the transfer to the Amex in August 2023 however it was his performances within the 2024/25 season that made everybody take word.

Beneath the steerage of Fabian Hurzeler, Baleba emerged as one of many league’s most interesting midfield prospects. However after a whirlwind summer time, it has been a slower begin to this marketing campaign. The highlight was at all times an ambition for Baleba however he did not anticipate the pace at which his fame would rise.

“When I see my name everywhere, I’m happy,” he says. “When I was a kid, it was a wish for my dad and my mum. It’s a wish for me.

“I am pleased with all of it. However it was overwhelming as a result of I’ve executed every part so quick. I’ve executed issues that some gamers at my age, they do not do the issues like I did. However I am actually pleased.”