Carlos Baleba is missing from the Brighton and Hove Albion squad for their final pre-season friendly, amid injury and reports of transfer interest from Manchester United. Photo: Mike Hewitt / Getty Imagesplaceholder image
Carlos Baleba is missing from the Brighton and Hove Albion squad for their final pre-season friendly, amid injury and reports of transfer interest from Manchester United. Photo: Mike Hewitt / Getty Images
Man United are currently in pursuit of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, but he is expected to be expensive.
Man United’s summer business so far has been very attacker-heavy. But, Ruben Amorim also wants to improve in midfield too, as there is a distinct lack of depth in the holding midfield role.
Baleba is understood to be willing to join United, but there is reported competition from Man City, too. Furthermore, Brighton doesn’t want to sell him and is setting a tough price tag of over £100m.
Carlos Baleba could pick Manchester United over Man City
Amid the reports that said Man United enquired about Baleba, it is understood that talks have begun between the player and the club, but the biggest hurdle will be Brighton’s desire to keep him.
However, things could be made a lot easier if Baleba expresses his desire to leave the Amex Stadium in favour of Man United. According to Caught Offside, Baleba does want to join Man United, and claims that the 21-year-old told Brighton that he wants to leave, having agreed personal terms with the Red Devils. Man City are also keen to sign the midfielder; however, no official approach has been made.
Last season, the Cameroon international impressed under Fabian Hurzeler, making 40 appearances in all competitions. He scored four goals and provided two assists for the Seagulls. The versatile midfielder is best in a defensive role, but he can also play as an outright defender as a centre-back. He would help protect Amorim’s back three in a 3-4-3 system.
United would likely need to rely on a couple of player sales before they can sign Baleba, as a £100m price tag will be tough for United to meet, especially considering that they’ve already spent over £200m on new players this summer.
Who could be sold to help fund a deal for Carlos Baleba?
In terms of potential outgoings that could help Man United in their pursuit of Baleba, Rasmus Hojlund could really help fund a deal, as he could be set to leave the club this summer, and in the coming weeks.
Recent reports have said that AC Milan and Man United are in talks around a deal this summer, however, Hojlund himself wants to stay at Old Trafford, which is slowing down any deal. If he was to leave, Hojlund would likely cost up to £38m on a loan with an option to buy.
Alejandro Garnacho could also help generate a chunk of cash, as Chelsea are in talks to sign the winger. A fee of around £40m is expected for Garnacho. So, if United were to sell both Hojlund and Garnacho, it could all but fund the Baleba transfer, in what could be a smart piece of business.
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