Bayern Munich have reportedly joined the race to sign Brighton star Carlos Baleba.
The midfielder has endured a rollercoaster of a season so far, struggling for minutes throughout and consistently underwhelming with shaky displays.
Nevertheless, Baleba looked back to his best against Aston Villa earlier this week with a dominant display in midfield, and his performance will have offered his suitors plenty of encouragement too.
Manchester United have made it no secret that they are keen to sign the former Lille star following their unsuccessful pursuit over the summer, with a host of other Premier League outfits, such as Tottenham, loosely linked with acquiring his services too.
But interest in Baleba is not limited to England, it has emerged. German news outlet TZ report that Bayern Munich have now shortlisted the 21-year-old as a potential target if they decide to shake up their midfield ranks this summer.
Leon Goretzka faces an uncertain future at the Allianz Arena, with his current contract at the club expiring at the end of the season.
The higher powers at Bayern are weighing up whether to extend his stay at the club or bring in a replacement, and Baleba features high on their list of potential options if they do decide to part ways with the Germany international.
Bayern feel that a fee in the region of £74.2million (€85m) could at least allow them to open talks with Brighton over a deal, though that is markedly less than the Seagulls’ valuation of at least £100m for the Cameroon international.
Regardless, it is unclear whether Vincent Kompany’s side would be willing to fork out such a significant sum – but their interest alone is likely to send shockwaves through the Premier League.
Brighton are not looking to sell Baleba in the January transfer window, and therefore a bidding war in the summer looks the likeliest outcome of the saga at this stage.