Manchester United exploring cost of January transfer for Brighton midfielder

Manchester United have explored the cost of signing Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba in the January transfer window.

Baleba is a long-term target for the Red Devils who expressed their interest in signing the Cameroon international in the summer. Sky Sports have revealed that a fresh approach has been made following the opening of the transfer window this month, with the club keen to gauge the cost of signing the 22-year-old in January.

However, Brighton are expected to reject any approaches for Baleba this month. The Seagulls are keen to retain the player until the summer at least, when Manchester United are again expected to push for a transfer.

Ruben Amorim views Baleba as the ideal option to bolster the club’s engine room, with the Cameroonian boasting the desired combination of athleticism, ball-winning and carrying to anchor Amorim’s midfield.

Baleba is currently away with the national team at the Africa Cup of Nations, further complicating a transfer this month. The Indomitable Lions have qualified for the knockout rounds and will face South Africa in the Round of 16 on Sunday.

Earlier this month, Baleba told Sky Sports he wants to use the tournament to showcase he can be one of the world’s best midfielders.

| Time for celebration| #IndomitableLions‘ midfielder Carlos Baleba turned 2⃣2⃣ today.

Happy birthday #Lion pic.twitter.com/kXsiuRBfAW

— Les Lions Indomptables Officiel (@LIndomptables) January 3, 2026