Manchester United's midfield rebuild is nearing completion with Carlos Baleba emerging as their latest target. After securing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans within days of each other, the Red Devils have shifted focus to Brighton's midfielder. United previously considered Baleba last year but were deterred by a £100m+ asking price. This time, they've opened negotiations with a £60m offer plus £5m, though Brighton are expected to reject it. Talks remain ongoing, with sources confident the deal will finalize.

The pursuit reflects United's improved recruitment strategy under new leadership. Unlike past windows where targets dragged on into August, recent deals have concluded swiftly. Baleba, who joined Brighton from Lille for £23.2m in 2023, has made 112 appearances and offers the box-to-box energy United lacked in their recent friendly loss to AC Milan.

His potential arrival adds depth to an already strengthened midfield featuring Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, and Bruno Fernandes. However, Baleba's ankle injury sidelines him for two weeks. United's data-driven approach has transformed their midfield landscape, moving away from reactive transfers toward proactive planning.