Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba is keen on a move to Manchester United, and Ruben Amorim's side are planning talks with the Seagulls, the latest report has claimed.
The Red Devils' preparations for the 2025-26 season concluded on Sunday, with the club beating Fiorentina on penalties at Old Trafford.
Head coach Amorim has managed to revamp his side's forward line, adding Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to the squad.
While the trio cost the club nearly £200m, they are still thought to be keen on bringing in a midfielder this summer.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has insisted that United believe Baleba is keen on joining, adding that talks with Brighton are expected in the coming days despite the difficult nature of the deal.
Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba in September 2024.
Baleba in profile: Does the Brighton midfielder make sense for Amorim?
Baleba is only 21 years old, but he has already played 61 games in the Premier League, and his experience in England's top flight could make the transition to life at Old Trafford smoother than if the club signed an unproven star from a continental division.
The defensive midfielder is safe in possession, with the Brighton man's pass completion percentage (92%) in last season's Premier League better than both Manuel Ugarte (89.7%) and Casemiro's (86.8).
Baleba also made 37 tackles in the middle third - three and 14 more than Ugarte and Casemiro respectively - and his athletic qualities meant he was able to help Brighton successfully win the ball back high up the pitch.
The Brighton star managed to intercept possession on 46 occasions last term, a figure that was only three fewer than Chelsea's Moises Caicedo's tally.
Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba on January 25, 2025
What if Man United fail to sign Baleba this summer transfer window?
While stats can be indicative of Baleba's strengths, they fail to highlight his ability to retain possession when pressed by opponents, an aspect that all of United's midfielders have struggled with.
Failure to bring someone like the 21-year-old to Old Trafford could be problematic, as Amorim's side may encounter difficulties building out from the back.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is likely to be utilised in a double pivot in 2025-26, and considering he will be 31 in September, he may need to be surrounded by athletic profiles in order to compensate for reduced intensity.
Casemiro is 33 and can no longer effectively cover ground, while Ugarte can be guilty of being overly aggressive, which could leave Fernandes exposed at times.
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