Facing competition: Carlos Baleba’s move to Manchester United is under threat
A deal will not be straightforward, though. Brighton are known to be tough negotiators and are demanding £120million for the player’s services.
United hope to get a deal over the line this summer, as does the player, and are in the process of preparing a new bid. However, they are not thought to be interested in meeting Brighton’s asking price.
A report in The Independent claims United could look to pay £80m up front and make up the difference with add-ons. Jadon Sancho could also be offered in a partial swap deal, though that is not expected to woo the Seagulls, who are well stocked for wide talent.
With a move for Baleba looking increasingly unlikely, United have identified alternative midfield options.
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They face stiff competition for his signature, though, amid reports Real Madrid scouts have been keeping an eye on his progress. He has also spurned interest from Liverpool and Tottenham this summer.
Crystal Palace are expected to fight tooth and nail to keep him south of the Thames as Oliver Glasner looks to stem the flow of players leaving the club, with key players Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi also the subject of transfer interest.
Next on United’s list of midfield targets is Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand. The 26-year-old Denmark international scored in Sporting’s Liga Portugal opener last week, a 2-0 win over Casa Pia.
However, United are concerned that he is not physical enough for the Premier League.
Atalanta’s Ederson, an occasional Brazil international, has also been earmarked as an option. He scored four Serie A goals from defensive midfield last season.