The Athletic understands United could open up an approach for this amount. This season has not been a smooth one for Bareva. He has been sent off 15 times this season by Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler. He has only played the full 90 minutes three times this season, including the most recent 3-0 win at home to Chelsea on Tuesday.
United have been closely monitoring his performances at this year’s African Cup of Nations, where he played in five games. He was an important player for Cameroon, who reached the quarter-finals of the tournament but lost 2-0 to hosts Morocco.
One potential hurdle for United could be the asking price. When the Reds first registered their interest, Brighton made it abundantly clear that they would seek £100m in the summer of 2023, matching the fee Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo.
During the summer it was understood that United were willing to pay as much as £75m to bring him to Old Trafford. It is currently thought that the club do not want to spend more than £50m, but this figure may not be in the Seagulls’ favor.
The Reds are also linked with Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães. But the Premier League quartet won’t come cheap.
United are likewise thought to be looking to put two central midfield players on the market to fill the void left by Casemiro and partner Koby Mainu, who has been activated since the arrival of Michael Carrick. They could also need a third player if Ugarte leaves the club, with the Uruguayan recently linked with a move to Juventus or Ajax.
Those discussions could also hinge on who occupies the Old Trafford dugout at the end of the season. Carrick has guided the Reds from seventh to third place since taking over, with United ranking among the standout performers in 2026. However, the Reds are yet to decide whether he is suitable for the role and will make their verdict at the end of the campaign.
