Manchester United are eyeing the possibility of signing one of the Premier League’s hottest talents this summer as an alternative to Carlos Baleba.
The final two weeks of the 2026 summer transfer window saw Manchester United launch an ambitious attempt to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton amid Rúben Amorim’s search for a new midfielder.
Reports suggested that the United head coach saw Baleba as a “dream” target for the Reds, and that the Cameroon international had his heart set on a move to United once he learned of their interest.
However, once contact between the two clubs was established, Brighton is said to have demanded in excess of £100 million for the player, while United felt his actual value lay closer to £60 million.
Thus, Amorim’s side backed off from negotiations before deadline day, although have been keeping tabs on the 21-year-old’s progress ever since.
Bloom speaks out on Baleba’s Brighton commitment
Since the United-Baleba drama concluded, at least for the moment, the player has not quite hit the stunning heights that he did last campaign. The Seagulls boss, Fabien Hurzeler, admitted last month that this may be down to United’s summer interest.
However, Brighton’s owner, Tony Bloom, recently explained to The Argus that he did not find the interest from United to be much of a saga and that he feels the midfield star has shown “immense” improvement. This, of course, will likely see the player’s value stick at around Brighton’s £100 million mark.
“I don’t think Baleba was a saga,” Bloom said. “There was interest from Manchester United, and we said that he wasn’t available this summer, and they went away. So we’ve had many bigger sagas in the past.
“But Carlos Baleba, his improvement has been immense. Massively important player to this football club, and just delighted that he’s with us for this season.”
United eyeing possible Anderson deal with Forest
With Baleba’s possible price tag in mind, United are reportedly instead eyeing a move for Nottingham Forest’s fantastic midfielder, Elliot Anderson.
The 22-year-old, due to turn 23 next month, has won four England caps in recent weeks after earning his maiden call-up last month, and is firmly in the sights of many of the Premier League’s top clubs.
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According to The Mirror, despite Baleba’s high fee, United are ready to throw their hat in the ring to secure Anderson, with Manchester City and Chelsea also showing strong interest in the midfielder.
The former Newcastle Academy star, seen as one of English football’s best prospects, is a strong possibility to start for Thomas Tuchel at the World Cup, and is valued as high as £75 million by his current side.
Forest are already on their third manager of the season, with Ange Postecoglou having been fired after just 39 days in charge. Their new boss, Sean Dyche, will face United in his first home game at The City Ground.
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