Carlos Baleba has missed the last four pre-season matchesplaceholder image
Carlos Baleba has missed the last four pre-season matches | Getty Images
All the latest team and transfer news for Brighton and Hove Albion
Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba was a notable absentee from the matchday squad for the final pre-season friendly against Wolfsburg.
Baleba, 21, has been linked with a move to Manchester United this week and has not played for Brighton in the last four pre-season tune-ups.
The Cameroon international featured for the Seagulls in the 3-1 friendly win against Stoke City in a behind closed doors friendly in Spain.
He then missed the next warm-up matches against Las Palmas, Coventry City, Southampton and now Wolfsburg.
Fabian Hurzeler previously said it was due to a "minor issue" but his latest absence will certainly fuel speculation as Manchester United ponder their next move.
What have Brighton said?
Chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber, speaking at last week’s fans’ forum said: “We've got some great talent, there's always going to be interest in our players.
“Manchester United have not been in touch with me. So from that point of view, speculation is speculation. We will always try to make sure we sell our best players at the right time, not just for the player but for us.
"If we end up doing that with any player, it's with the view to leave Fabian with a very competitive squad, whatever happens. We don't want to sell our best players.
“Carlos is a fantastic talent who has a lot of years ahead of him. We hope he will be here for many years to come. But it's something that, as always, is subjective to the dynamics of the football world which isn't always predictable.”
Verdict
Baleba is a player in demand and Manchester United are trying to get ahead of the pack and land Baleba before the competition hots up next season.
The 21-year-old is one of the top midfielders in the Premier League and has all the attributes and potential to be competing at the very top level.
Brighton will want to achieve Moises Caicedo type money for their midfield talent and it;s unlikely Man United will stump up £100m plus this window.
It’s unlikely Brighton will let him go for less. Unless United pay huge money, I think Baleba will be at the Seagulls this season. The ball is in United’s court. Are they prepared to pay £100m?
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