Manchester United has intensified its plans for a major restructuring this summer, and talks have resumed over one of its primary midfield targets, Carlos Baleba. The 22-year-old Brighton midfielder was linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer, but the deal did not materialize as Brighton's valuation exceeded United's preferred price.

According to CenterDevils, Manchester United held initial talks with Baleba's representatives last month, indicating renewed interest ahead of the next transfer window.

Baleba remains highly rated within the club despite not having replicated last season's performances, and he is being evaluated alongside other midfield options as United focuses on young players with high potential for its long-term rebuild.

According to sources, personal terms should not be an obstacle, as the Cameroon international would be willing to move. However, any transfer could be complicated by Brighton's firm negotiating stance and its track record of maximizing transfer fees.

United is expected to finalize midfield recruitment decisions after confirming its technical leadership at the end of the season, which will play a key role in shaping its summer transfer strategy.

With an active contract at Brighton providing security for the Seagulls, the transfer will require a significant investment to justify the departure of one of its assets with the highest resale potential.

If United manages to close the deal, it would be securing a player who, at 22, not only offers an immediate solution for defensive cover but also possesses the necessary growth margin to become the centerpiece of the sporting project for years to come.

It is also true that the player has shown slight inconsistency compared to his breakout year in the Premier League, but he still maintains elite metrics in terms of ball recoveries.

The Cameroon midfielder averages a tackle success rate that places him in the top percentile of young holding midfielders in Europe, a quality that fits Manchester United's need to find a physical anchor to free up its playmakers.

His ability to cover large distances and his power in individual duels represent the athletic profile that the Manchester club has prioritized in its latest scouting reports to modernize the team's spine.

Baleba is shaping up to be the balancing piece Manchester United has sought to complement its rotation in the double pivot, providing a physical recovery capacity that is scarce in the current squad. His modern "box-to-box" profile would allow for a cleaner transition to attack.

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