Manchester United are not walking away from a potential mega-move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
With Ruben Amorim making clear that he feels Manchester United need to strengthen in midfield, the club are considering a major offer for Carlos Baleba.
United In Focus understands that Manchester United’s interest is serious and they believe a deal for Carlos Baleba could be done, despite Brighton’s resistance.
Carlos Baleba looks on during the Premier League match.
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Carlos Baleba to Manchester United latest
Brighton view Carlos Baleba as a key part of their team, and manager Fabian Hurzeler told a press conference on August 15: “I am very, very confident Baleba will stay with us”.
Manchester United are ready to test this determination, in the hope that a substantial offer will sway them.
United In Focus understands via transfer insider Graeme Bailey that despite initial enquiries over Carlos Baleba being rebuffed and receiving no encouragement from Brighton to make an offer, that is exactly what Manchester United are about to do with a club record breaking offer.
Sources close to the club have confirmed to us that United are not bidding just as a ‘fishing expedition’, but with belief they can seal a deal for the Cameroonian international.
We are told by an intermediary who is working on the deal, but we can’t name due to the fact he would only speak on the promise of anonymity, that United have told Brighton and Baleba that they are ready to make a club record bid that will be in excess of £100 million.
More United News
Whilst we are told that Brighton owner Tony Bloom would seek Moises Caicedo money, in the range of £115 million, it is believed that an offer of £100 million would lead to conversations taking place at the Amex Stadium.
We understand that Baleba is not currently agitating but his camp have spoken with Brighton’s top brass in Paul Barber and Bloom, and told them they would like the chance to speak to United, if they did indeed make such an offer.
Bailey explains: “Baleba and his camp have had contact with United, Brighton are aware and United have not been shy in explaining to him why he would be such a good fit for them.
“While he is not pushing for a move, it is not impossible to think that he has had his head turned. Brighton are standing firm, but this is not over yet.”
Manchester United’s club record move is the £89 million spent on Paul Pogba in 2016. Baleba cites Pogba as one of his idols.
United have the financial fluidity to sanction a major move despite already making three signings in excess of £60 million this summer, landing Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.
United have enjoyed a very good transfer window so far in terms of incomings with a new front-three signed and sealed in the shape of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Cunha and Mbeumo will fill the two supporting roles to Sesko, and this has impacted the squad’s make-up and is actually a reason as to why they are moving for a new midfielder.
This is because captain Bruno Fernandes is going to have to play in a deeper role, and United they instead need a player to occupy the stand-alone defensive midfield role alongside him, and view Baleba as the perfect fit.
Manchester United considering goalkeeper move
United In Focus can also reveal Manchester United are still considering bringing in a new goalkeeper in addition to a midfielder before the transfer window closes.
Bailey explains: “United are refusing to rule it out making more big moves in the shape of a CDM and goalkeeper, and while not saying it is likely, it is in their thinking.
“United believe they have a chance to really make a push this season with these two, I get the sense they are intrigued by the prospect of just how close they could be. Might they be just two players from making a real challenge? That is their thought process and I don’t disagree.”
United have been linked to Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens, and while a move for Gianluigi Donnarumma has been played down, the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper is looking for a new club and is keen on a switch to the Premier League.
The club are also increasingly confident that they will be able to secure exits for Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia, with efforts ongoing.