Manchester United continue to be linked with a move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba ahead of transfer deadline day on Monday
Carlos Baleba continues to be linked with a move to Manchester United this summer
Carlos Baleba continues to be linked with a move to Manchester United this summer
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Brighton & Hove Albion have made a decision over Carlos Baleba amid transfer links with Manchester United.
The Athletic previously reported that United are keen on Baleba as they look to bolster their midfield options ahead of the summer transfer window deadline. It has been suggested that the Reds have reached out to Brighton via intermediaries to discuss potential terms for a transfer.
The Manchester Evening News understands United are prepared to delay a move for the midfielder until next year, with senior sources conceding a deal is currently unlikely. With three years still remaining on his contract, Baleba is seen as one of the most promising young talents in his position and has stepped up to fill the gap left by Moises Caicedo in Brighton's midfield.
However, it's worth noting that Brighton are reportedly keen to retain the Cameroon international for at least another year and have reportedly slapped a price tag of more than £100million on him. And Brighton's firm stance has been reinforced by their decision to name him in their starting line-up for Sunday afternoon's clash at home to Manchester City.
Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler has insisted in the build-up to Sunday's game that Baleba will remain a Brighton player.
Asked whether he was 100 per cent confident Baleba would stay, Hurzeler told a press conference: “Yes. If there is a number more than 100, I would even say more than 100. I am confident.”
Ruben Amorim is coming to the end of his maiden summer transfer window at Old Trafford, and he has spent big on new recruits over the past couple of months. More than £200m has been splashed on the likes of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.
Amorim failed to find success with his ageing midfield made up of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen last term and will be hoping to get a new midfielder in before Monday's deadline.
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