There is a widely reported expectation that the Reds will bring in two players in central midfield - but our understanding is that recent conversations have opened up the real possibility of a third signing.
The basics of the situation are easy to understand. Casemiro is going to leave the club and will need to be replaced, and there is growing expectation that Manuel Ugarte will exit, too.
Those direct replacements would be needed but sources indicate that would not solve the whole problem.
United have been short of an additional option in this area throughout this season, and they had intended to sign another midfielder last summer. Key targets were out of reach so they held off - but the need for another option has not gone away.
As such, it is very possible they also sign an additional player for the centre of the park if the recruitment process runs smoothly. With Champions League football on the horizon, it is essential that they have a deeper squad for next season.
Kobbie Mainoo is set to commit to a new contract soon, while Bruno Fernandes is expected to remain at the club for at least another season. Mason Mount will also stay unless a significant offer arrives, which currently seems unlikely.
At this stage, the most likely signing is Baleba. United have held an interest in him since last summer and now intend to try to prise him away from Brighton.
He has not enjoyed a particularly strong season, but his style of play and positional fit are still seen as ideal. Crucially, United believe they could sign him for well below the £100 million figure that was being discussed eight months ago.
Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Adam Wharton also remain among the targets. However, competition for these players is expected to be fierce, and at this stage United are unsure how any potential pursuit will develop. The Balebe chase should prove to be more straight forward.
Ideally, United want to make two signings from within the Premier League to ease the integration process.
The third addition could come from outside England, with the club understood to be monitoring emerging talents primarily in Spain and Germany.
Michael Carrick, a former central midfielder, is expected to have a say in shaping the squad if he secures the permanent role as head coach. As things stand, that outcome appears likely, and there is growing excitement about how his insight could improve a position that has been problematic in recent seasons.
Champions League qualification is expected to be secured soon, and in recent weeks, conversations have taken place internally about how to approach the market once European football is confirmed.
The midfield rebuild is not something the club hierarchy want to risk dragging into the latter stages of the summer window.
