United “leading the race” for insane PL talent, his club “expect” bombshell summer move will happen – report

Manchester United are leading the race to sign Carlos Baleba as Brighton & Hove Albion reach an important decision over the future of the 22-year-old midfield dynamo, according to a new report. Midfield Rebuild The Red Devils are preparing for an overhaul of their stalling engine room, with two new recruits set to arrive at Old Trafford this summer. Despite enjoying a renaissance in his final season at the club, INEOS decided against triggering the one-year extension in Casemiro‘s contract, and he is expected to leave when his deal expires in May. Manuel Ugarte has proven incapable of effectively deputising for the Brazilian, with the 24-year-old likely to be available should a suitable offer arrive from abroad. By contrast, Kobbie Mainoo has been reborn under interim boss Michael Carrick after being frozen out by Ruben Amorim. However, the 20-year-old England international remains a work in progress, and United would be remiss to expect him to start every match next year. Bruno Fernandes‘ form has also dramatically improved since Carrick took the reins, having been restored to his rightful position as a No. 10. He is on track to break the Premier League’s assist record after adding two more in the pivotal 3-1 win over Aston Villa yesterday. The Portuguese talisman’s redeployment has increased the need for more quality in the middle of the pitch, however, compounding United’s decision to target two new options this summer. Last year, the club made overtures to sign Baleba, with the Cameroon international – he played alongside Bryan Mbeumo at the Africa Cup of Nations over Christmas – agreeing terms over a switch to Manchester. But Brighton refused to even enter talks over a deal, with a belief that it would take a fee in excess of £100 million to bring them to the table. A move was put on pause as United eyed a return this summer, in the hope of more friendly negotiations and the framework already in place. Brighton prepare for an exit TEAMtalk reveals this patient play has proven successful, with Brighton now understood to be preparing for Baleba’s exit and the Red Devils in pole position ahead of their rivals. “Brighton are expecting that Baleba moves on this summer, with Manchester United firmly leading the race for the Cameroon star,” the report details. “We revealed in an update last month that Brighton are likely to soften their £100 million demands for Baleba this summer. Insiders now believe a deal could be struck closer to an overall package worth around £70 million.” As a result, Brighton are now ready to accelerate their own pursuit of midfield starlet Caleb Yirenkyi as a “long-term successor” for Baleba. “Brighton have been tracking talented youngster Yirenkyi for some time and have followed his development closely since he joined Danish side Nordsjaelland in 2024 from the famed Right to Dream Academy. “The 20-year-old, who operates primarily as a holding midfielder, has quickly made an impression in Scandinavia with his composure on the ball, defensive awareness and maturity beyond his years.” Ironically, United themselves are a suitor for the Ghanaian enforcer, along with a host of other top clubs in England and across Europe. However, sources at the Amex Stadium indicate Brighton believe they are “well placed to win the race if they decide to formalise their interest,” despite this competition elsewhere on the continent. Final Thoughts The fact that the Seagulls are ready to advance a deal to replace Baleba, given their expectation the 22-year-old will leave, is a hugely promising development for United. The only obstacle to him arriving at Old Trafford last summer was his club’s stubborn position; both he and United were keen to strike a deal. Fast forward twelve months, and preparations are already in place for Brighton to lose the Cameroonian, with his price believed to have been dramatically slashed as well. Patience is set to prove a virtue for the Red Devils, as INEOS are ready to close a deal for a long-term target in a position in desperate need of investment. Featured image Mike Hewitt 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 Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.