Carlos Baleba appears to have dropped a hint towards Manchester United by liking Leny Yoro's Instagram post. The Red Devils are making a concerted effort to secure Brighton midfielder Baleba before the summer transfer window closes.
United manager Ruben Amorim is on the hunt for midfield reinforcements, having already splashed out over £200million on a fresh attacking trio. Baleba, 21, is believed to be Amorim's top choice to bolster the midfield, as he remains unimpressed with his current options.
On Wednesday evening, it was reported that United intermediaries had reached out to Brighton to discuss potential terms for the Cameroon international. Baleba, who has three years remaining on his contract, is regarded as one of the most promising young talents in his position.
He has admirably stepped up to fill the gap left by Moises Caicedo in Brighton's midfield over the past two seasons.
However, United face a tough task in securing the player, with Brighton keen to retain Baleba for at least another year and reportedly slapping a price tag of over £100m on him.
Nonetheless, Baleba may have indicated his inclination towards a move by subtly hinting at United, having liked Red Devils defender Yoro's recent Instagram post featuring the Frenchman in United's pre-season. The pair share a close friendship, having played together for Ligue 1 side Lille before Baleba's move to Brighton in 2023.
Despite the buzz around a potential move for Baleba to Old Trafford, Brighton's chief executive Paul Barber has quashed rumours that United have initiated talks regarding Baleba's transfer.
"We've got some great talent, there's always going to be interest in our players," he said. "Manchester United have not been in touch with me. 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 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."
Baleba fits the bill for the type of midfielder Ineos has been scouting for United, given his age, skill and Premier League experience. Club icon Rio Ferdinand also urged United bosses to prioritise a move for him over Benjamin Sesko last month, describing him as a versatile midfielder.
This would indeed be a significant signing for the Red Devils, who have already secured Sesko this week for £74m, outbidding Newcastle for the Slovenian's signature.