Manchester United have been linked with a move for Brighton star Carlos Baleba in the past few months, with a move still possible as the Seagulls are lining up a potential move for a replacement
Carlos Baleba during a Brighton & Hove Albion game
Carlos Baleba was of interest to Manchester United in the summer transfer window
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Manchester United may have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, as the Seagulls have lined up a potential replacement for the 21-year-old which may free him up for an exit.
The Cameroonian international was linked with a move to Old Trafford back in the summer, as a key target to help bolster the midfield ranks.
In the end, United did not lodge an offer for Baleba, with the forward line and goalkeeping ranks strengthened instead and at some cost.
It meant that a midfield shake-up has been postponed for future transfer windows, with several targets emerging for the next few markets.
The likes of Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson have been linked as potential options, while reports persist over the interest in Baleba as a target for the coming months.
While it remains to be seen if United could make an offer that would release him from Brighton - with valuations set in the £100m region - their chances of landing the midfielder may well be boosted by the actions of the Seagulls in the market.
According to the Telegraph, Brighton are showing an interest in Aston Villa's Lamare Bogarde as part of a succession plan to replace Baleba in the near future.
The 21-year-old is claimed to be valued at above £25m, having made his way into the first team under Unai Emery, but with plenty of quality ahead of him in the current pecking order.
Lamare Bogarde is the nephew of Winston Bogarde, who played for Chelsea and Barcelona during his playing days, and he will now be looking to forge his own career.
With Brighton's potential move for the Villa midfielder, the knock-on effect could see them open to letting Baleba leave in the coming weeks and months.
The report adds that the 21-year-old could leave for over £100m, given the current market valuations for a young number six who can break up play and dictate things.
That move could come at an important time for Man United, with Casemiro's contract coming to an end in 2026, while doubts remain over the futures of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte.
While Baleba could be the man to help deal with that position for years to come, Paul Scholes has his doubts, airing those when speaking to Sky Sports last month.
He said: "Baleba is very young, but they’re all quite young, aren’t they? But Baleba is very young. Quality-wise, is he quite there? I think he’s almost in a Caicedo type of way.
"He’s done really well at Chelsea, don’t get me wrong, but is that the type of player Manchester United need? I’m not sure. Adam Wharton is a really good player, but can he get around the pitch. Old Trafford is a big pitch, you need to have some physicality.
"I'd say going off the England form, which has surprised me more than anything, but Elliot Anderson. I really liked him at Newcastle but thought he was more of an attacking player, but he's come into as a No.8 for England and looked very accomplished.
"I’d probably say I’d go Wharton. I still don’t think they’re any of the Manchester United style midfield players, they’re more the style of football these days. I just think Wharton’s got a little bit more quality. That’s tough saying that. I think he’s got more quality than Baleba."