The player himself steps in: United-Baleba back on the table

One of Manchester United's midfield files has unexpectedly resurfaced. According to Fabrizio Romano, Carlos Baleba's camp have contacted Manchester United to suggest a return bid.

This development represents the revival of a story that stalled last summer. United identified Baleba as a midfield target last summer and quickly agreed personal terms with the player, but pulled back in the face of Brighton's £100 million asking price.

Romano provided detail on the matter on his YouTube channel. "Those close to Baleba have been in contact again with Man United to suggest the possibility of signing him. They're trying to understand if United can return for the player or not after the Ederson move fell off," he said.

The cost this wait has had on the player has also emerged. The pressure of the transfer affected the player last season, with Baleba's form dipping; as a result of that decline, his price tag has since fallen to £70 million.

United's midfield plans also enrich this file. It is recalled that the club has already spent a combined £85 million on Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans this summer and continues to search for a third midfield addition; while personal terms have been agreed with Manu Kone, an official offer to Roma is still awaited, with Danilo and Sander Berge also on the list.

The player's internal connections also explain the motivation behind this move. It is reported that the 22-year-old Cameroon international has spoken to Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha about the transfer, is close with Mbeumo and Yoro, and that Onana has encouraged him to push for the move.

Source: Fabrizio Romano
Image: The Peoples Person