It remains to be seen if Manchester United will materialise their interest in Carlos Baleba before the end of the window, but one thing’s for sure: he’d green-light the move in the event an offer was made.
The issues from the Red Devils’ perspective, however, are that Brighton and Hove Albion are not only unwilling to sell the midfield starlet, but also that they’d demand upwards of £100 million if they are cornered into facilitating his sale.
Additionally, Baleba is unlikely to hand in a transfer request or demand a summer sale – especially given he’s just two years into his five-year deal at the Amex.
Carlos Baleba and United: What’s happened so far?
That hasn’t stopped United from touching base and gauging the feasibility of an agreement being reached, though.
In fact, it’s even been claimed that INEOS managed to seal personal terms with Baleba, with the player attracted to the prospect of representing the 20-time champions after only two seasons in the English top flight.
Manchester City are also thought to be admirers of the ‘wonderful’ Cameroonian international but, luckily for United, it does not look as though Pep Guardiola will be pursuing a move this month – even in the aftermath of Rodri’s injury setback, which is set to keep him sidelined until after the September international break.
Laurie Whitwell weighs in on Baleba situation
While the Old Trafford faithful wait to see whether there will be any more arrivals in M16 in the coming weeks, The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell has provided some insight into the side’s stance on Baleba.
He told the Talk of the Devils podcast panel: “Talks are continuing. There are intermediaries on behalf of United and the player as well, to see if Brighton would be open to a deal. Brighton are saying he’s not for sale and there is quite a bit of scepticism at Manchester United about whether this can be achieved.
“Still, it has not totally been shut down. This leads me to believe that you never know, but I’m in the camp of it being unlikely. There are ways this can be sorted; a crucial point is the player, and he’s keen on the move to Old Trafford.”
