Man Utd transfer news: Carlos Baleba signing terms explored but no deal expected with Brighton in January transfer window | Football news

Manchester United explored terms for signing Carlos Baleba from Brighton in January, Sky Sports News can reveal.

However, a deal is not expected to progress further this month, with Brighton keen to keep him until at least the summer, when there is expected to be a market for central midfielders.

It is understood that Man Utd's priority in 2026 is to sign at least one – perhaps two – top central midfielders.

Their goal remains to add them in the summer, but Sky Sports News has already reported that United could sign players this month if unique market opportunities arise.

Baleba is on a list of priority targets which also includes Nottingham Forest. Elliot Anderson, The Crystal Palace Adam Wharton and wolves João Gomes.

Sky Sports News can also reveal United are looking for younger prospects such as Lille Ayyoub Bouaddi and Olympiakos Christos Mouzakitis.

Sky Sports News reported this week that they also continue to evaluate futures options, with Antoine Sémenyo apparently destined for Manchester City, and monitors the situation around the Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and winger for RB Leipzig Yan Diomandé.

Sky Sports News also exclusively revealed on Thursday that they are scouting potential centre-back targets ahead of the summer, including Rennais Jérémie Jacquet.

Amorim: No ongoing transfer conversations at Man Utd

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim suggested there are no ongoing transfer discussions at Old Trafford, despite the January window being open.

United travel to Leeds on Sunday with a threadbare squad, with up to eight players likely to miss the match.

Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo are not expected to return from injury, while Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazrouai are out for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Asked if the club was working on strengthening the squad during this window to help move up the ranks, Amorim replied: “The transfer window is not going to change. We are not having any conversations at the moment to have a change in the squad.

“There is the process. There is an idea that will continue. We are close to the Champions League venues, but we are also close to eight teams behind us. So let's focus on the next match.”

United attacker Joshua Zirkzee has been heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford. Asked if any players had come to ask him to leave the club during this window, Amorim added: “No. None of them. I don't expect them to come and ask me anything.”

Baleba: I want to be the best midfielder in the world

Before heading to the CAN, Baleba spoke with Aerial sports Will Bitibiri will discuss his rise to prominence at Brighton and the upcoming Cameroon tournament.

“It’s an ambition [of mine] to be the best midfielder in the world. I just want to work hard, get advice, take something from the midfielders. Not just in the Premier League, because I learned a lot here,” he said.

“Rodri and others, but I try to take [lessons from] outside the Premier League. Like Ligue 1, Vitinha or Joao Neves.

“In La Liga, Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta, [Sergio] Busquets. I try to learn every day. I watch them on YouTube.”

Baleba took his love of the game to France from Douala, Cameroon, with Lille beckoning. After rising through the ranks in France, he quickly joined Brighton and the Premier League. He joined the Amex in August 2023, but it was his performances in the 2024/25 season that made everyone take notice.

Under Fabian Hurzeler, Baleba has become one of the best midfield prospects in the league. But after a hectic summer, the start of this campaign was slower. Baleba always had ambitions to be in the spotlight, but he never expected how quickly his reputation would rise.

“When I see my name everywhere, I’m happy,” he says. “When I was a kid, it was a wish for my mom and dad. It’s a wish for me.

“I'm happy about all of that. But it was overwhelming because I did everything so quickly. I did things that some players my age don't do things like me. But I'm really happy.”