United in talks to make 21-yo star their club-record signing, Ineos ready to “submit official bid” – report

Carlos Baleba was Manchester United’s dream midfield target over the summer, and the Brighton & Hove Albion star remains on the club’s radar. Ruben Amorim’s decision to drop Bruno Fernandes deeper into midfield sparked the search for a midfielder capable of covering ground.  Accordingly, Baleba, known for his front-foot defending, positional awareness and athleticism, emerged at the top of United’s midfield wishlist. However, Brighton & Hove Albion slapped a hefty price tag on the 21-year-old. The Seagulls sold Moises Caicedo to Chelsea for well over £100m in 2023 and considered Baleba to be on par with the Ecuadorian. As such, talks between United and Brighton didn’t go any further and the Cameroonian remained at the Amex.  Baleba unsettled at Brighton Baleba was reportedly prepared to move to Old Trafford in the summer, and even reached an agreement over personal terms in August.  United’s approach has seemingly unsettled the dynamic midfielder, who has endured a difficult start to the season. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has admitted that the Red Devils’ interest has affected the youngster.  Now, a report suggests Brighton are warming up to the idea of selling Baleba. Man United prepared to submit official bid According to a report from a transfer insider relayed by Football365, the two Premier League clubs are once again “negotiating the transfer”. It is added that United owners are “willing to spend £90m” on the Cameroon international, having given the “green light” to submit an official bid ahead of the January transfer window.  Amorim is believed to be eager to strengthen his midfield mid-season. However, it is difficult to imagine Ineos recklessly offering £90m, a club-record fee, for the services of an underperforming player in January. Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming United are monitoring Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher and are open to signing the Englishman in January on loan. Featured image Ryan Pierse via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!