Tottenham are reportedly plotting an ambitious move for Brighton star Carlos Baleba.
The midfielder has endured a tough start to the season, with months of transfer speculation, as well as a pre-season injury, taking their toll on the Cameroon international.
Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler has spoken regularly about Baleba’s performances and how he will help the No. 17 hit the heights of last season, with the emphasis now on the player to take responsibility for his own development in this rough patch.
Manchester United attempted to secure the signature of Baleba over the summer, but talks collapsed when it became clear that Brighton would demand a mammoth fee for the ex-Lille star.
Ruben Amorim’s side are still keen on the youngster despite his poor recent showings, but they are no longer alone in their admiration of the 21-year-old.
According to CaughtOffside, Tottenham have now entered the picture as they ‘sense a potential opportunity’ to rival the Red Devils in the race to sign Baleba, and they have not been deterred by his performances so far this campaign.
United have made it no secret that they will be rebuilding their midfield over the coming transfer windows, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Wolves’ Joao Gomes both coming under firm consideration at Old Trafford.
Thus, Spurs are monitoring their rivals’ ongoings closely to see whether there will be an opening for them to pounce and push for Baleba while United are focusing on alternative options.
Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool have all been linked with the Seagulls’ star previously, and a return to form from the Cameroonian would certainly see those outfits consider ramping up their interest.
Nevertheless, a bidding war for the playmaker would be no surprise to Brighton. The higher powers at the Amex Stadium were quick to rebuff United last summer as they felt that interest in Baleba from clubs around Europe would only grow over this season, therefore allowing them to stand firm on their high valuation of the midfielder.