Manchester United revisited their long-standing pursuit of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, while Ineos seek other young midfield targets in the January transfer window.
Ruben Amorim has had a dilemma in midfield throughout the season.
In his preferred 3-4-2-1 system, the United head coach has opted for a midfield pairing of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro. This means Amorim often overlooks Kobbie Mainoo, who is currently missing out on opportunities in the team due to an injury that comes at a time when other midfielders are injured.
United are set to prioritise the midfield department in 2026, after revamping the attack in the previous year.
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This has led to United being linked with a list of midfielders, many of whom would arrive with Premier League experience in the same vein as Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, who have both hit the ground running following their summer transfers.
United fans are waiting to see whether Ineos will back Amorim with new signings in January, as Joshua Zirkzee’s future dominates the headlines in early January.
Man Utd considered January move for Carlos Baleba
It’s widely accepted that most – if not all – of United’s main targets won’t be available in January.
As much as Amorim would like to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest or Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, those deals won’t be happening midway through the season, as their clubs value them dearly.
According to Sky Sports reporters Danyal Khan, Adrian Kajumba, and Lyall Thomas, United have explored the conditions to signing Baleba in this window.
The Brighton ace has been the subject of criticism after a failed transfer attempt from United in the summer led to a dip in his performance levels this season.
However, with a deal not expected to materialise this month, United are still expected to be in the market for midfield additions.
Brighton want to hold onto Baleba until the end of the season, when they are expected to listen to offers for the 21-year-old midfield talent.
The other names on United’s radar, as per the report, include Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi and Olympiacos ace Christos Mouzakitis.
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When is Carlos Baleba next in action at AFCON?
Cameroon progressed from the AFCON group stages, with Mbeumo playing a key role for the African nation.
The United star is joined in the Cameroon team by United-linked Baleba.
Cameroon will face South Africa in the last 16 on Sunday at 7pm.
Baleba will be hoping to prove his worth to his nation by helping guide them all the way in Morocco.
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