Manchester United want to sign a \u2018top central midfielder\u2019 in 2026 and have reignited their interest in Brighton\u2019s Carlos Baleba, according to reports.<\/p>\n
Ruben Amorim is likely to target a midfield addition in the January transfer window, and Sky Sports claim the Red Devils are \u2018exploring\u2019 a move for Baleba<\/a>.<\/p>\n Man Utd\u2019s season in F365 Tables<\/p>\n Man Utd<\/a> are \u2018unlikely\u2019 to land the Brighton midfielder this winter, but the report adds that the club\u2019s 2026 \u2018priority\u2019 is to sign \u2018at least one \u2013 maybe even two \u2013 top central midfielders\u2019.<\/p>\n It is more likely that Amorim\u2019s side strengthen their midfield in the summer, though there is a chance the club react \u2018if unique market opportunities arise\u2019.<\/p>\n Also on United\u2019s shortlist is Nottingham Forest\u2019s Elliot Anderson \u2013 who leads the Premier League for ball recoveries this season (159)<\/a> \u2013 along with Crystal Palace youngster Adam Wharton.<\/p>\n The Premier League giants are also monitoring younger talents such as Lille\u2019s Ayyoub Bouaddi and Olympiacos\u2019 Christos Mouzakitis.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Amorim is keeping an eye on potential attacking reinforcements, with Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and RB Leipzig\u2019s Yan Diomande on his radar after missing out on Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo to rivals Manchester City.<\/p>\n MORE ON MAN UTD ON F365 Baleba, Anderson or Wharton for Man Utd<\/p>\n It is between Baleba, Anderson and Wharton for Man Utd, though it feels increasingly likely that the Brighton man will eventually end up at Old Trafford.<\/p>\n The Cameroon international is a player Red Devils legend Rio Ferdinand wants to see Amorim sign.<\/p>\n He said last July: \u201cPhysically great, can drive with the ball, can take it in all areas, very good tactically, great energy, great legs, Premier League experience, centre midfield. Baleba.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s who I go and get. That\u2019s my man. That\u2019s the one I go and get. I go and break the bank.\u201d<\/p>\n Troy Deeney said in August that another strong season from Baleba could see Man Utd fall down the list of his preferred destinations.<\/p>\n \u201cI think United have to get him [Baleba] this window or they don\u2019t get him,\u201d Deeney told talkSPORT.<\/p>\n \u201cIf he has another good season, I do think other teams \u2013 Real Madrid and the like \u2013 will come in and go, \u2018Bosh, we\u2019ll have him\u2019.<\/p>\n \u201cI think if Man U want him\u2026 if I\u2019m [Ruben] Amorim, I\u2019m kind of bullish on that: \u2018Get this deal done, because then I can get you into Europe.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Baleba\u2019s form this season has been fairly poor, with summer transfer speculation seemingly having a negative effect on his performances.<\/p>\n
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