Man Utd remain interested in signing Brighton's Carlos Baleba, but a deal this summer is seen as unlikely.
Manchester United target Carlos Baleba in action for Brighton.
Manchester United target Carlos Baleba in action for Brighton.(Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba has hinted that it's business as usual for him, despite well-publicised interest in his signature from Manchester United.
The Manchester Evening News reported on Friday that United were unlikely to complete a deal for Baleba before the transfer window shuts on Monday, September 1. It's understood that Brighton will want at least £100m for the Cameroonian as they look to repeat the business that saw Moises Caicedo leave them for Chelsea.
While United are not looking to complete the deal this summer, they are still interested in Baleba and are open to transitioning their interest into a move next summer. Amid this decision, Baleba returned to social media on Friday to share a picture of himself training with Brighton.
The clear message from Baleba is that it's business as usual for him as he prepares for the Seagulls' opener against Fulham. That was, also, the impression given by Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler's pre-match interview when he was quizzed on the future of his central midfielder.
"Very, very, very confident [he will stay]," Hurzeler responded. "It's just my belief.
"I didn't see any change in him. He only changed his hair, that was the only change he made in the last two weeks.
Carlos Baleba shared an update from the training ground on social media.
Carlos Baleba shared an update from the training ground on social media.
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"But overall, he seems to be in a really good place. He's enjoying it with his teammates.
"He's enjoying being a Brighton player. He's very grateful to have the progress he made in the last season.
"I didn't see any big change. He's an option to start for tomorrow [Saturday]."
As mentioned, United now have until Monday, September 1 to add to further players their squad. After that, the window will close and United will only be able to sign free agents until the market re-opens yet again in January.
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