Carlos Baleba has softened his stance on a potential move to Manchester United and is now more receptive to the switch than he was in the summer — but the timing is far from ideal for the Brighton midfielder.

Late last month, it was reported that United were unsure whether he represented good value in the current market. And at this moment, the club appears ready to step back from the pursuit just as Baleba begins to warm to the idea of joining them.

United made an exploratory approach for Baleba last summer, largely to signal serious interest and unsettle the player rather than force a negotiation. They were aware Brighton would refuse to engage, and that assumption proved accurate.

The Seagulls declined to put any price on Baleba during those first conversations, though it later emerged they privately valued him at well over £100 million.

United ultimately pressed ahead with a midfield centred around Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro while quietly starting to plan a long-term overhaul of the position.

Within that long-term blueprint, Baleba could easily have remained high on their list. However, his performances have dipped this season and Brighton are still thought to be holding firm on their nine-figure valuation.

United reject that price tag and, as a result, their interest has cooled as they look ahead to the next window.

Ironically, Baleba is now believed to be more open to pushing for a move than he was during the summer.

But Brighton have no intention of selling in January, and United have broadened their search to a wider pool of midfield options.

They have scouted Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Yehor Yarmolyuk, and have been linked with players including Morten Hjulmand, Angelo Stiller, Conor Gallagher, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Joao Gomes.

The club is seeking one midfielder with defensive qualities and another capable of playing as a No. 8 as they prepare for life after Casemiro — and eventually Fernandes.

For now, United’s search remains wide open, though they hope to narrow down and firm up their preferred targets before the end of the month.