Manchester United are hoping to produce a fascinating end to the transfer window by making a move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
The spending this summer has already soared beyond £200 million following the arrival of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig this week.
But Ineos are showing no signs of slowing down their transfer business this summer, with Manchester United quickly moving onto goalkeeper and midfield targets.
United made an approach for Carlos Baleba, but Brighton’s stance so far has been that they don’t want to sell the midfielder for at least another year.
Baleba appears interested in joining United, and if he decides to push for the move it could help the Red Devils lower Brighton’s asking price.
Carlos Baleba looks on during the Premier League match.
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Eric Djemba-Djemba encourages Carlos Baleba to join Man United
Should Baleba join United this summer, he will join Andre Onana and new arrival Bryan Mbeumo as a strong core of Cameroonian stars at Old Trafford.
Before them, the first Cameroonian to represent United was Eric Djemba-Djemba, who signed for the Red Devils in 2003 but did not enjoy the success he hoped he would.
However, Djemba-Djemba has always kept a strong connection to United, and he encouraged Baleba to follow in his footsteps and join the Red Devils this summer.
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Speaking to Footy Africa, Djemba-Djemba said: “Baleba is currently among the top defensive and box-to-box midfielders in the Premier League, and joining Manchester United wouldn’t surprise me at all.
“It would be a masterstroke of a deal for both the player and Manchester United. He’s a massive passer and a shield to the backline, but also great going upfront, which is what Ruben Amorim desires. Baleba would also improve his game working in a project under a whole new rebuild.
“For me, that would only spell good news for Cameroon to be honest. The only negative about this deal is that Brighton would be losing a massive asset. He’s such a beast, yet he also has the ability to pass at range and shoot.
Carlos Baleba decision is pivotal to Man United deal
If United are going to sign Baleba this summer, it will rely heavily on the player pushing for the move to happen.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Baleba’s personal terms will not be an issue, which suggests the 21-year-old is open to the move.
United can offer Baleba a significant pay rise, while also offering him the chance to be a key player in Ruben Amorim’s rebuild at Old Trafford.
READ MORE: Brighton have already got their Carlos Baleba replacement amid £104m Man Utd interest
But Brighton value Baleba at £100 million, which will be extremely difficult for United to pay this summer given the amount already spent on transfers.
However, United’s transfer strategy so far this summer has been to agree a deal with the player first so that the selling club is under pressure to lower their asking price.