Man Utd told chances of signing Carlos Baleba or Adam Wharton in January

Brighton star Carlos Baleba and Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton are both believed to be out of reach for Manchester United in the January window, according to a report.

The Red Devils are scouring the midfielder market after failing to bring in Baleba in the summer due to Brighton’s hardline not-for-sale stance. The Cameroon international was and still is their top target for the position, with Ruben Amorim a massive admirer.

While it is thought that Brighton may be more willing to sell in 2026, there is no guarantee that Man Utd will be able to sign the 21-year-old. The Seagulls know that he not only has suitors in Manchester and are hoping for a bidding war to secure a fee in excess of €100 million.

Man Utd have moved to identify alternative targets in case Baleba again proves unattainable. Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace and Jobe Bellingham of Borussia Dortmund have also been heavily linked with an Old Trafford switch.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Monday that Man Utd are indeed interested in Wharton, although he made sure to emphasise that a January transfer is improbable. The 21-year-old is keen to make England’s 2026 World Cup squad and is a guaranteed starter at Selhurst Park.

Man Utd won’t sign Baleba, Wharton in January

Romano’s reporting on Wharton has now been confirmed by talkSPORT, which corroborates that a January move is being ruled out. The report also adds that Brighton will not sanction a move for Baleba in the winter.

There have been claims that the latter could hand in a transfer request, with his agent due to meet with Brighton next month. However, it seems that this is far-fetched, particularly as the player will be preoccupied with the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler confirmed last month that Baleba’s performances have been affected by the speculation surrounding his future, but the report emphasises that sources with knowledge of the situation are downplaying suggestions that the player is unsettled.

Baleba and Wharton will see out the season at their respective clubs and then likely be on the move in the summer. Real Madrid are also known admirers of the latter.

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