Tottenham are now ahead of Man Utd in the race to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba in the summer transfer window, according to reports.<\/p>\n
Spurs and the Red Devils are both looking for reinforcements in midfield over the summer as they look to better their performance next season.<\/p>\n
It is not yet clear whether Tottenham<\/a> will bring defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha back to north London after their buy-out clause in their loan deal with Bayern Munich expired.<\/p>\n Man Utd are definitely in the market for at least two, possibly three, midfielders with Casemiro leaving the club and Manuel Ugarte up for sale this summer.<\/p>\n Brighton star Baleba has been linked with a move to Man Utd for a few transfer windows now and Fabrizio Romano recently explained the Cameroon international\u2019s situation.<\/p>\n Romano said on his YouTube channel<\/a>: \u201cI want to mention a player I have been discussing since August last year, Carlos Baleba. The Brighton midfielder was a top target for Manchester United last summer and remains under consideration.<\/p>\n READ: De Zerbi intervenes as Tottenham reach decision on selling star man to Real Madrid<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cAt this stage, nothing has been decided or advanced. However, he is still on the club\u2019s shortlist as they plan potential midfield reinforcements.<\/p>\n \u201cIn August 2025, Manchester United had an agreement in principle with Baleba on personal terms. The player was keen on the move, but Brighton refused to sell.<\/p>\n \u201cThe same situation occurred again in January. At that time, Manchester United indicated that they could revisit the deal in the summer of 2026.\u201d<\/p>\n Romano added: \u201cNow, Baleba remains a target for both the scouting department and figures within the club.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are still several factors to consider, including the appointment of a permanent manager, budget decisions, and Brighton\u2019s stance.<\/p>\n \u201cHowever, what I can confirm is that the verbal agreement between Baleba and Manchester United from 2025 remains valid for 2026.<\/p>\n READ: Romano confirms Tottenham \u2018deal on\u2019 for third signing as Spurs look to hijack Lazio transfer<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThe player is still very keen on a move to Manchester United.\u201d<\/p>\n Tottenham: De Zerbi \u2018might feel he can get the best out of him\u2019<\/p>\n