Manchester United has officially begun its efforts to sign the Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baliba, as the Red Devils' management has contacted Brighton to inquire about the possibility of releasing the player.

According to the French newspaper "L'Équipe", the 21-year-old Baliba is among the names that coach Ruben Amorim has included in his future plans, as he wishes to make him one of the key pillars of his project at Old Trafford.

The source added that Lille, Baliba's former club, will receive 20% of the player's sale value, according to a clause in his contract when he transferred to Brighton.

Manchester City had shown interest in the player during the last winter transfer window, but they backed off after Brighton demanded a huge amount of 120 million euros, which halted any negotiations at that time.

For his part, reliable journalist David Ornstein stated that Manchester United has inquired about the player, indicating that the deal is currently very complicated due to Brighton's unwillingness to sell the young star.