Man Utd now set to launch fresh enquiry for record-breaking Carlos Baleba deal

Manchester United are set to launch a fresh enquiry into signing a £100m-rated midfield star this month, according to recent reports.

Man Utd in pole position to sign La Liga star

It could be a busy month for the Red Devils, who seem destined to welcome at least one midfield reinforcement after Ruben Amorim has seen the depth of his squad tested to its limits in recent weeks.

It was another evening to forget for the Man United boss last time out as his side were held to a 1-1 draw by bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford. The Midlands club picked up just their third point of the season and even had chances of their own to secure what would have been a famous victory,

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United, meanwhile, were given a stark reality check that they must heed heading into the new year if they want to finally turn a corner. And if INEOS were watching, then they should act sooner rather than later in the January transfer window.

To that end, Conor Gallagher is a name to watch. According to recent reports, Man United are now in pole position to sign the Atletico Madrid man, who is seeking a return to the Premier League this month.

A deal to sign the England international would have to be permanent rather than on loan and it remains to be seen whether that deters Man United this month.

It could force them to turn towards their long-term options six months early, including Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba.

Man Utd set to launch fresh Baleba enquiry

According to TeamTalk, Man United are now set to launch a fresh enquiry to sign Baleba from Brighton this month. The Red Devils have been monitoring the midfielder alongside the likes of Liverpool and could now make their move when he returns from AFCON.

Alas, the deal won’t come cheap. Just like in the summer, Brighton reportedly value Baleba at a hefty £100m which would instantly make him the most expensive player in Man United’s history. For that price, they simply must make sure that the 21-year-old is the man to transform their midfield.

On current form, the truth is that United should be steering clear of Baleba at £100m. The Brighton star showed what he’s capable of at his best last season, but has struggled to repeat that form in the current campaign. Whether it’s a knock-on effect of missing out on a big move in the summer is not something that United should find out.

The Red Devils need a midfield reinforcement and that should come in the form of either Adam Wharton or Elliot Anderson, not Baleba this year.