TBR Football understands that Manchester United are showing interest in Carlos Baleba, but it would take a substantial fee for Brighton & Hove Albion to even consider the deal.
Manchester United are having an extremely busy summer, and the Red Devils are not done yet after their initial acquisitions.
TBR Football understands now that a defensive midfielder and a goalkeeper are in their plans once the Sesko to United deal is done.
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Could one of them be Carlos Baleba? At this moment, the chances are very slim.
Exclusive: Brighton want £100m+ for Carlos Baleba
TBR Football understands, through chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, that there is no release clause in his deal, so to secure Baleba’s signature, it would take over £100 million. That said, Brighton are not planning to let him go.
Bailey states: “I am told that Brighton are not contemplating a Baleba sale this summer and are not encouraging it either. They are saying he is not for sale.
“Baleba is not actively pushing for a move either, but his people are aware of the interest from United and others, as they are not the only side who like him.”
Manchester United have been interested in Baleba since even before he joined the Seagulls, with the Red Devils sniffing around his signature back before he was as widely known as the Premier League powerhouse he is now.
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An expensive player, but for good reason. Baleba is one of the best youngsters in England’s top flight. Can United really afford him?
Manchester United surely can’t afford Carlos Baleba
Despite financial woes stated in the past by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United have spent big this summer.
First, they secured the signature of Matheus Cunha for £62.5m, followed by Bryan Mbeumo’s move from Brentford for a whopping £71m.
And now with Sesko’s expensive arrival imminent, the Red Devils, despite carefully packaging their deals to avoid PSR complications, can’t afford £100m on Baleba.
The likelihood is they’ll explore options elsewhere, but they’re certainly interested in the 21-year-old.