Manchester United may have a secret agent on their hands in Bryan Mbeumo, with the Red Devils winger said to be urging Cameroon international team-mate Carlos Baleba to join him at Old Trafford. United remain in the market for another proven performer to operate in the heart of their midfield, with a big-money raid on Premier League rivals Brighton being mooted.

Manchester United are reportedly prioritising a move for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton after cooling their interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. The Red Devils were keen to strengthen in the middle of the park by signing the Cameroon international in the summer but have now decided to rethink their shortlist following the 21-year-old’s difficult start to the 2025-26 season.

Brighton chief admitted there was interest from Manchester United for Carles Baleba and revealed why the Red Devils missed out on the £100m transfer. United boss Ruben Amorim had made the Cameroon powerhouse his No.1 midfield target as the Red Devils scrambled for reinforcements before the September 1 deadline. But Brighton refused to budge, slamming the door shut on a potential £100m mega deal that could have filled their coffers.

Manchester United are lining up a shock move for Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton as they gear up for a midfield reshuffle. United had looked to bolster in the middle of the park over the summer but were rebuffed in their efforts to sign Brighton's Carlos Baleba. However, they have since turned their attention to Wharton, with Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro both on the Old Traffford chopping block.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler admits that Manchester United's transfer interest in Carlos Baleba may have unsettled the midfielder after a difficult start to the season. The Red Devils were keen on signing the 21-year-old this summer but in the end, they were put off by his reported £115 million price tag. And after being taken off early against Tottenham, Hurzeler has fired a warning to Baleba.