Man Utd step up talks for €100m midfielder with top target 'extremely open' to summer transfer

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 18 Mar 2026 15:45 GMT
• 5 min read

News

Manchester United have stepped up their chase for a new marquee midfield signing this summer after opening talks with a top target in the hopes of sealing a summer deal.

United are expected to invest heavily in the upcoming transfer window and sign at least two midfielders, with Casemiro set to depart upon the expiry of his contract and offers likely to be invited for Manuel Ugarte.

While the likes of Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton are expected to feature highly on the club’s shortlist, United are also set to make a renewed approach for Carlos Baleba after seeing Brighton rebuff an approach for him last summer.

Current ETV

Carlos Baleba

DM, M (C)

Brighton

Carlos Baleba

DM, M (C)

Brighton

€69.6M

ETV Range

€62.6M - €76.5M

View full profile

And, according to CentreDevils, United already held talks with Baleba’s representatives last month over a potential move, with the 22-year-old said to be ‘extremely open’ to the switch.

No decision is expected to be made until the end of the season, when United will know whether Michael Carrick will still be in charge and if they will be playing in the Champions League next year.

Brighton are aware of the interest and could consider Baleba’s departure for the right price, although, having quoted United more than €100 million for the Cameroonian last year, they are ‘expected to be tough to negotiate with’, the report claims.

United pushing for Premier League stars to lead midfield regeneration

Having proven to be a standout midfielder for Brighton since his €27m move from Lille in 2023, Baleba’s form has declined this season, with Seagulls manager Fabian Hurzeler admitting the youngster’s head had been turned by United’s interest last summer.

Despite Baleba’s mixed performances this season, United are still keen to sign the midfielder, although much will depend on the cost and the availability of the club’s other targets.

United may only be able to afford one big money addition to their midfield, with the club also eyeing improvements in defence and on the wing, and Anderson is thought to be the Red Devils’ top target ahead of Baleba.

Reports also emerged this week that United are working on a deal for Sandro Tonali, with one journalist claiming that the Newcastle star would be ‘quite open’ to a move to Manchester.

However, the likes of Tonali and Anderson are also expected to command as much as €100m and United could instead look at cheaper options such as Leon Goretzka and Joao Gomes.

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