Manchester United remains interested in signing Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to a journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Red Devils were strongly linked to the 21-year-old last summer, but no formal offer was made. Brighton made it clear that the Cameroonian was not for sale before the deadline.
Romano has now revealed that Baleba still remains on Man United’s radar, and he has been discussed as an ideal solution to strengthen the midfield.
Baleba is ‘super-rated’ by United’s hierarchy and they remain ‘absolutely interested’ in signing him in January or at the end of the current season.
Romano said: “Man United I can guarantee that even in their internal discussions at the club they have not stopped discussing the name Carlos Baleba because Baleba is still seen as an ideal solution by Ruben Amorim and the people at the club.
“Baleba is highly valued by Man United. A January move is seen as unlikely, but any time, January or summer, if Brighton opens the door to an exit for Baleba, Man United remain absolutely interested. Man United will remain in contact with people close to the player.”
Big decision
Baleba was identified last summer as the ideal target to strengthen United’s defensive midfield department. However, action never came. Brighton were reluctant to part with the talented ace despite their asking price being low £115 million was beyond United’s reach after a £200 million spending spree.
United are unlikely to spend heavily this winter and a major midfield signing could be postponed until the summer. Baleba continues to be linked with a move, but the Red Devils may have doubts about the Cameroonian amid his problems in the Premier League this season.
Despite playing in the middle of midfield, Baleba has recently registered 17 steps per league match, 50% less than the previous campaign. He has won just 3 matches per league match, including 3 recoveries and a solitary tackle. He performed twice as well last season.
The drop in performance could be related to last summer’s transfer links. The big question mark is whether United will pursue a deal despite his poor form or opt for an alternative target such as Adam Wharton or Elliot Anderson, who are also on their radar, according to Romano.
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