Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly put a valuation of €120m (£104m) on Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba amid interest from Manchester United.
The Red Devils have allegedly made contact with Brighton via intermediaries to register their interest in signing the Cameroon international during this summer's transfer window.
However, according to ESPN, the 20-time English champions would have to break their transfer record in order to sign the 21-year-old, with Brighton setting an asking price of €120m (£104m).
The report claims that Manchester City are also keen on Baleba, further complicating Man United's pursuit of him, but the Red Devils are believed to be pushing to sign the midfielder before the market closes.
Baleba is allegedly happy to remain with the Seagulls for another season, but if he does not leave this summer, it is seen as extremely likely that he will be on the move in 2026.
Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba on January 25, 2025
Brighton 'want £104m' for Baleba amid Man United, Man City talk
Lille would allegedly be due 20% of any future transfer fee, meaning that the French club could receive a substantial transfer boost either this summer or next.
The Cameroonian, who has a contract at the Amex until June 2028, has made 77 appearances for Brighton since arriving from Lille in the summer of 2023, scoring four goals and registering two assists.
Last season, Baleba scored four goals and registered two assists in 40 appearances in all competitions for the Seagulls.
Man United head coach Ruben Amorim allegedly views him as the perfect player to boost his midfield, but the club have already spent heavily this summer, with a deal for RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko now close to completion.
Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba celebrates scoring against West Ham United on April 26, 2025
Brighton chief denies Baleba contact from Man United
Brighton chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber has denied that Man United have been in touch with the club to discuss a move for Baleba despite the recent reports.
"We have got some great talent. There is always going to be interest in our players. Manchester United have not been in touch with me. From that point of view, speculation is speculation," he said at a fans’ forum at the Amex.
“We will always try and make sure we sell our best players at the right time, not just for the player but also for us. If we end up doing that with any player it is with a view to leaving Fabian with a very competitive squad whatever happens.
"We don’t want to sell our best players. Carlos is a fantastic talent who has got a lot of years ahead of him and we hope he will be here for many years to come. But it is something which, as always, is subject to dynamics of the football world, which is not always predictable.”
Man United are expected to sign a new midfielder this summer, so the club will switch their attention elsewhere if it becomes clear that a deal for Baleba in the current window is not possible.
ID:578864:1false2false3false: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4486: