Not just Semenyo – Man Utd also involved in another four-horse race for departing EPL star | OneFootball

Manchester United reportedly have three main rivals in the battle for the services of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.

The Red Devils have been involved in a four-horse race for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, who was also a target for Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. However, the Ghanaian is believed to be close to sealing a January move to Manchester City.

Nevertheless, another four-way battle appears to be taking shape in the Premier League, and this one will be centred around Baleba.

Man Utd & Liverpool could duel for Carlos Baleba

Man Utd enquired about the 21-year-old last summer, and even reached an agreement in principle with the player’s entourage. However, they were swiftly repelled by Brighton’s astronomical asking price, with some sources reporting figures in the region of £115 million.

Instead of resorting to a fallback option, INEOS delayed their midfield plans altogether to 2026. Moreover, Fabrizio Romano insisted that United will revisit the Baleba option in 2026.

According to The Daily Briefing, Man Utd will have the opportunity to sign the Cameroonian next summer, as the player isn’t expected to dwell in Brighton beyond the current campaign.

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

However, the source warns MUFC about the growing competition for the services of he midfield enforcer. While Bayern Munich’s interest in Baleba has been well-documented in recent months, Spurs are also said to be on the player’s trail.

But the most important update provided by the Daily Briefing is Liverpool’s entry into the race, which could further complicate matters for the Old Trafford outfit.

Do Man United still want Baleba?

While Baleba was considered Man Utd’s ultimate midfield target last summer, the situation may have changed this season.

The Cameroon international might be delivering the goods for his national team in the African Cup of Nations, but his first half of the season at Brighton has been vastly underwhelming. Some observers feel that the youngster has been ‘distracted’ by United’s pursuit, which may have raised some red flags at Carrington.

In the meantime, Elliot Anderson has recently emerged as United’s preferred candidate according to the most reputable sources, while the likes of Adam Wharton, Joao Gomes and Alex Scott are also on the shortlist.

That being said, Baleba remains one of the main targets for Jason Wilcox, as United could be aiming to sign more than one midfielder next summer.