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Manchester United's chances of signing Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba may have improved, as Brighton are reportedly eyeing a potential replacement for the 21-year-old. Any deal could possibly pave the way for the midfielder's big-money exit.

The Cameroon international was rumoured to be on his way to Old Trafford last summer, seen as a key addition to bolster their midfield. However, United did not make a bid for Baleba, having been quoted a fee in excess of £100million.

Instead, Ruben Amorim and his recruitment department focused their resources on strengthening their forward and goalkeeping departments.

This meant that a revamp of the midfield was put on hold for future transfer windows, with several players being identified as targets for upcoming markets.

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Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson have been mentioned as possible options, while interest in Baleba continues to be reported as a priority for the coming months despite his patchy form this term.

Whether United will table an offer that could prise him away from Brighton - with his valuation believed to be around £100million - remains to be seen. However, Brighton's activity in the market could increase United's chances of securing the midfielder.

According to the Telegraph, Brighton are interested in Aston Villa's Lamare Bogarde as part of a plan to replace Baleba in the near future. That suggests that Brighton could be open to selling Baleba if their valuation is met.

Bogarde, also 21, is said to be valued at over £25m. He has broken into the first team under Unai Emery, despite stiff competition for places.

Bogarde, nephew of former Chelsea and Barcelona player Winston Bogarde, is now set to carve out his own footballing path. Brighton's potential acquisition of the Villa midfielder could pave the way for Baleba's departure in the near future.

The report suggests that the Seagulls could command a fee north of £100m, given the current market rates for a young defensive midfielder with the ability to disrupt play and control the game.

This development could be timely for United, especially with Casemiro's contract due to expire in 2026 and uncertainty surrounding the futures of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte.

While Baleba might be seen as the solution to their midfield conundrum, United legend Paul Scholes expressed reservations during a chat with Sky Sports last month.

He said: "Baleba is very young, but they're all quite young, aren't they? But Baleba is very young. Quality-wise, is he quite there? I think he's almost in a Caicedo type of way.

"He's done really well at Chelsea, don't get me wrong, but is that the type of player Manchester United need? I'm not sure. Adam Wharton is a really good player, but can he get around the pitch. Old Trafford is a big pitch, you need to have some physicality.

"I'd say going off the England form, which has surprised me more than anything, but Elliot Anderson. I really liked him at Newcastle but thought he was more of an attacking player, but he's come into as a No.8 for England and looked very accomplished.

"I'd probably say I'd go Wharton. I still don't think they're any of the Manchester United style midfield players, they're more the style of football these days. I just think Wharton's got a little bit more quality. That's tough saying that. I think he's got more quality than Baleba."

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