The latest Manchester United transfer news as they continue to pursue a deal for Carlos Baleba.
Carlos Baleba in action for Brighton.
Manchester United continue to be linked with a move for Carlos Baleba.
(Image: (Photo by James Marsh/REX/Shutterstock))
Alejandro Garnacho joining Chelsea on a permanent deal could help Manchester United fund a swoop for Carlos Baleba and, also, hand the midfielder a dream welcome gift.
The Argentine is one of four attackers expected to depart Old Trafford this summer, alongside Jadon Sancho and Antony with England's Marcus Rashford having already joined Barcelona on loan. Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko have since been acquired to form Ruben Amorim's new-look attack.
With the total spent, inclusive of add-ons, on those three additions possibly reaching £200million, selling players is the obvious priority for United. Rasmus Hojlund departing is also expected with MEN Sportreporting this week that he is now open to the possibility of joining AC Milan.
Despite the fact it looks as though most of their exits will be on loan, United are making an ambitious attempt to sign Baleba. Brighton and Hove Albion have a history of unearthing gems, such as Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella and Joao Pedro - who all joined Chelsea - just some that have been sold by them for huge profit.
Just two years ago, the Cameroon international joined Brighton from Lille for £23.2million and the Seagulls look to be demanding nearly five times that to sell.
Baleba appears to be open to an Old Trafford switch, but it seems very likely available (or unavailable) finances will be what prevents a would-be deal. Elsewhere, United are said to want £50million to sell Garnacho, but Chelsea are not currently keen on hitting that figure.
If a compromise is reached on a fee, it seems almost guaranteed that United will put those funds towards signing Baleba. If that scenario does play out, United's latest arrival could be left the perfect welcome gift by the departing Garnacho.
That is because both players wore the No.17 shirt last season and Garnacho moving on would leave that free for Baleba to take. As potential alternatives, Baleba has also worn No.20 and No.35 but - after a few alterations - only the former is available at United.
Summer signing Diego Leon has taken the No.35 with fellow fresh face Benjamin Sesko taking the No.30 that the former wore in pre-season. Diogo Dalot donned the No.20 during the 2025/2026 campaign, but he has now taken the No.2 jersey following Victor Lindelof's departure.
It certainly seems as though the No.17 would be his first-choice considering he changed to that squad number at the start of his second season at Brighton.
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