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Manchester United have reportedly taken a clear stance in the pursuit of young Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
After revamping the attacking department by recruiting the trio of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, INEOS are now working on signing the ball-winner that Ruben Amorim has asked for in the middle of the park.
In recent days, Baleba has emerged as Man Utd’s favourite profile for the role. The 21-year-old is a physical midfielder who rose through the ranks of LOSC Lille and has cemented himself as one of the most impressive young players in the Premier League over the past couple of years.
However, Brighton have no intention to sell their prized asset whatsoever.
Carlos Baleba is Man Utd’s top target in midfield
According to The Telegraph journalist Sam Wallace, the Seagulls value the Cameroonian at over £100 million. While this might be an excessive price tag, the East Sussex club is only willing to negotiate a deal starting from this figure.
As the source explains, Brighton are aiming towards a fee close to the £115m Chelsea forked out to buy Moises Caicedo two years ago, the midfielder that Baleba replaced at Falmer Stadium.
Man United ready to abandon Baleba’s pursuit?
While Man United are certainly keen to acquire Baleba, the report insists that INEOS don’t have the capacity or the desire to meet Brighton’s current asking price.
Therefore, the Red Devils have decided they won’t sign the young midfielder for such a hefty figure. So unless Brighton agree on granting United a significant discount, the transfer won’t materialise.
In this case, MUFC will turn into other options, and it remains to be seen if they would consider launching an onslaught for Atalanta’s Ederson, whose asking price is half of Baleba’s.
Young Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton would be an interesting choice as well, but he’s now being linked with a shock move to Real Madrid.
