Manchester United are said to be ‘leading the race’ for Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, despite late interest from Manchester City in the aftermath of Rodri’s injury setback.
David Ornstein first verified the Red Devils’ interest in Baleba last week after fans had urged INEOS to make their move and bolster Ruben Amorim’s midfield options.
Fully aware that a deal may be difficult to facilitate due to Brighton’s reluctance to sell, United have opted against making a bid to instead gauge the player’s thoughts on making the switch first.
According to CaughtOffside, he has ‘agreed personal terms’ over a contract length and salary whilst making it clear to the Brighton board that if he is to leave this summer, Old Trafford is where he wants up end up.
Carlos Baleba: The state of play
Yet, given he’s tied to the Amex until 2028 and highly unlikely to force a premature exit, the Seagulls are under no pressure to negotiate the sale – especially when considering the new season gets underway this weekend.
That being said, if United were to come in with a proposal of £100 million, it’d certainly be difficult to turn down.
Baleba, 21, has quickly established himself as one of Europe’s hottest prospects in the middle of the park, particularly since he made the move to the Premier League from Lille two years ago. He took to the English top flight like a duck to water, making it no surprise he’s poised to become the most expensive African player of all time if and when he eventually moves on from East Sussex.
United’s summer signings thus far
In M16, the Reds have already overseen a pretty costly window.
Matheus Cunha’s £62.5m release clause was activated back in May, with United opting to pay an upfront fee before pledging the rest in instalments.
£65m was shelled out to welcome Bryan Mbeumo, as well as £66.3m for new centre-forward Benjamin Sesko.
