Carlos Baleba’s representatives have reached out to Manchester United in an attempt to revive a move to Old Trafford this summer.
United have signed two midfielders as part of their rebuild with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans joining from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively.
But Michael Carrick is eager to bring in a third option with the club back competing in the Champions League this coming season, having called off a move for Atalanta star Ederson earlier this month.
Reports in Italy suggest United have agreed personal terms with AS Roma star Manu Kone with the Serie A side looking for a fee of around £52million.
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There is also interest in Bournemouth’s Alex Scott with Sander Berge and Tyler Adams also linked with moves.
Baleba also remains an option after United explored a move for the Brighton star last summer. A move was eventually shelved due to the Seagulls’ huge valuation of £100million.
The Cameroon international’s form dipped last season although it remains to be seen how that has affected Brighton’s asking price.
There have now been fresh talks over a move for the midfielder, instigated by Baleba’s representatives who are sounding out United’s interest. Baleba agreed personal terms with the club last summer and remains eager to make the move.
United must now decide whether to step up their interest or focus on other targets.
‘Those close to the player have been in contact again with Manchester United to suggest the possibility to return for Baleba,’ Fabrizio Romano told his YouTube channel.
‘So it’s from Baleba’s side that they are trying to understand if United can return for the boy or not.
‘After the Ederson deal off, and all the other developments, from Baleba’s side, they want to understand if there is a chance to reopen conversations and negotiations with United.
‘We know United are looking for a third midfielder, they want to make something happen for another defensive midfielder.
‘We need to understand now if there is going to be a possibility for Baleba – or any other option, because United are checking on the market – which possibilities can become concrete this summer.
‘Baleba is a name that was already high on the recruitment team’s list one year ago. The player is super keen about United, now it depends on the club [and] whether they want to proceed or not.’