Journo: Man Utd aware that if they ignite pursuit of £70m PL star this summer, he would ‘only want them’

Manchester United have as clear a run as they could want if they decide to reignite their pursuit of Carlos Baleba this summer.Ben Jacobs believes that if the Red Devils were to make a move in the coming months, the Brighton and Hove Albion starlet would ‘only want them’.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYBaleba remains a concrete option for UnitedHeading into the transfer period, it’s pretty common knowledge now that Elliot Anderson sits firmly atop INEOS’ shortlist of midfield targets.Want more Stretty News coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustHowever, he also occupies the same place for Manchester City, and they are said to be favourites in the race for his signature if he completes his expected move away from Nottingham Forest.Either way, United will be adding more than one midfielder to the ranks; not only will it be necessary in the absence of such a seasoned veteran like Casemiro, but the addition of Champions League football to the schedule means depth is imperative.Why a deal for Baleba is feasible for UnitedAlas, there is still a very realistic chance the Reds try to strike up a deal for Baleba.Brighton blocked his switch to Old Trafford last year as they were desperate to keep hold of him for at least another season. Fabian Hurzeler admits Manchester United links could be affecting Carlos Baleba pic.twitter.com/k5E56S8Jhn — BeanymanSports (@BeanymanSports) September 20, 2025Now that they’re aware of United’s interest and will know they can cash in for a profit (he could cost as much as £70 million), it’s likely the board will open the door to the 22-year-old’s departure after his three years at the Amex.To make matters easier for INEOS, they already have an agreement on personal terms fully in place with Baleba following their previous talks, meaning the only graft to be done on a prospective transfer will be the fee.