Tottenham Hotspur rival Manchester United for £100m target

Manchester United have been linked with some of the most exciting young midfield talents in Europe this season, and the January transfer window is already shaping up to be a busy one for the Red Devils.

Clubs across the Premier League are weighing up how to strengthen their squads mid-season, with a particular focus on dynamic, ball-carrying midfielders capable of influencing games at the highest level.

Manchester United’s recruitment team has reportedly been monitoring several key targets, including players from England and abroad, as Ruben Amorim looks to rebuild a midfield that has struggled with consistency.

Tottenham Hotspur, meanwhile, are also actively scanning the market for emerging stars, and their scouting department has reportedly been keeping a close eye on Premier League fixtures to spot potential bargains.

The January window is shaping up to test both clubs’ ability to make decisive moves in a highly competitive market.

One player emerging as a major point of interest is Carlos Baleba, the 21-year-old Brighton midfielder, who is said to be high on the list of priorities for Manchester United despite a slight dip in form since the summer.

Tottenham are understood to be sensing an opening in the transfer market and could rival United for his signature, as reported by CaughtOffside.

Brighton remain firm on their £100 million valuation for Carlos Baleba, which could complicate any move for Spurs.

Sources suggest that while United continue to consider other midfield options such as Elliot Anderson, Baleba remains highly rated and a potential cornerstone signing if the club can secure him.

Baleba’s recent performances may have wavered, but Brighton see the midfielder as a long-term asset worth the investment.

“Brighton don’t see Baleba’s recent performances as a huge concern, they feel they still have a €100m asset there, so any clubs thinking about a cut-price deal can forget about it,” one source explained.

Another added: “Tottenham are monitoring Baleba’s situation. They sense there could be an opportunity there if United decide to focus on other targets.”

Baleba is currently one of the most discussed young midfielders in Europe alongside Anderson, Gomes, and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.

While a January move may be tricky due to Brighton’s reluctance to sell mid-season, history shows the Seagulls have been willing to cash in on star talents when the timing and fee are right.

For Manchester United, beating Spurs to Baleba could be a defining move in the summer transfer planning.