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Carlos Baleba would be open to a move to Old Trafford this summer if Manchester United step up their interest and try to sign him in the coming weeks.

That is according to Ben Jacobs, who says it would make sense if Brighton and Hove Albion have reduced their asking price from the figure they wanted last year — a valuation around the £115 million they received for Moises Caicedo.

Manchester United, however, have internally made it clear that they are not prepared to go beyond £75m for the 22-year-old midfielder, whose performances dipped during the course of the 2025/2026 campaign.

One complication surrounding any possible move for Baleba is that he sustained an ankle ligament injury earlier this month, an issue that is expected to keep him out for the start of the new season.

Even so, David Ornstein has said it is not expected to be a 'longer-term problem', which could still encourage United to press ahead with a deal.

United have, after all, kept the Cameroon international on their shortlist for well over a year, while the limited number of midfielders who match INEOS' preferred profile are being taken off the market quickly.

Fabrizio Romano has also reported that Baleba is 'pushing like crazy' to complete a move to United before the transfer deadline, although the Red Devils have not yet gone as far as reopening talks after their unsuccessful attempt last year.

If a transfer does happen, Baleba would become the third Premier League-proven midfield signing for Michael Carrick, after Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, as United continue a much-needed rebuild in the centre of the pitch.

It is still unclear how much Manuel Ugarte will be involved once he returns to full fitness, after suffering a serious knee injury at the World Cup that later required surgery.

United begin their 2026/2027 season away to newly promoted Hull City on Saturday, August 22.