Manchester United are not backing down in their pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba.
Brighton are known to be tough negotiators. They have made it clear that they want to keep hold of Baleba for at least another season.
The 21-year-old is tied to the Amex until 2028 with an option to extend by a further 12 months. As such, the Seagulls appear to be in full control.
Chelsea were the last club to negotiate a deal for one of Brighton’s high-profile midfielders and were forced to pay £100million rising to £115m in 2023.
Manchester United players in touch with Carlos Baleba
Still, United continue to work behind the scenes, with talks taking place via intermediaries, reports The Athletic.
Ineos are keen to hand Ruben Amorim a top-level defensive minded midfielder. Baleba is viewed as one of the Premier League’s most well-rounded midfield talents.
The competition for his signature is set to be fierce next season, as such the Red Devils are trying to make a move before any bidding wars begin.
David Ornstein adds that Baleba is keen on the possibility of a switch to Old Trafford, and “personal terms would not be a problem.”
Further, it is revealed that “a number of United players have been in contact with Baleba about a transfer to Old Trafford, explaining the current landscape and ambitions.”
However, the cost of any deal would be a major hurdle to overcome for United, who need sales to balance the books amid PSR concerns.
The Athletic underline that United are “not expected to submit a bid for Baleba unless they believe there is a chance of success.”
Mason Greenwood could help Man United sign Carlos Baleba
The Mancunians are struggling to sell their high-earning outcasts, including Jadon Sancho and Antony this summer. Still, they have already pocketed a considerable figure.
United bagged around £15m after sell-on clauses were realised for Álvaro Carreras, Anthony Elanga, and Maxi Oyedele. Marcus Rashford’s season-long loan to Barcelona will help the club save around £14m as the Catalan giants are covering his salary.
Further, Mason Greenwood’s situation at Olympique de Marseille could have a huge say in Manchester.
The former academy talent has attracted interest on the back of a prolific campaign in Ligue 1.
Most recently, Al-Nassr made an enquiry for Greenwood. United hold a substantial 50 per cent sell-on clause and would profit significantly from any movement.
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Vishal Singh
Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!
