Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba has been linked with Manchester United and previously made his stance clear on a move as the January transfer deadline approaches
Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion inspects the pitch prior to the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion FC
Carlos Baleba has long been linked with a transfer to Manchester United(Image: Getty)
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Carlos Baleba has previously revealed his stance on a potential switch to Manchester United. The Brighton midfielder has been on the club's radar since last summer.
In a bid to back Ruben Amorim, United splashed out more than £200million during the previous transfer window, bringing in three high-profile signings: Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. Senne Lammens also joined as the new number one goalkeeper.
Despite these reinforcements, Amorim couldn't hold onto his position and was dismissed after approximately 14 months at the helm, with Michael Carrick taking over. On the topic of exits, it has been confirmed that Casemiro will leave the club when this season concludes.
The Brazilian's departure will leave a significant void in the centre of the park, making a replacement an obvious priority. United were strongly linked with Brighton's Baleba during the summer and whether through a surprise late deadline day swoop or a summer acquisition, the 22-year-old has already made his feelings about joining United abundantly clear.
During last summer's window, United reportedly initiated preliminary discussions with Brighton regarding Baleba, but the Seagulls were said to have demanded a staggering £115million fee. This put United off making a serious move for Baleba, though numerous reports indicate he remains firmly on their list of targets.
Some sources even suggest that this month, the club explored the possibility of a January switch, although any deal is more likely to materialise in the summer.
Despite Baleba apparently only remaining on United's wishlist, his comments to Sky Sports back in August regarding transfer speculation are particularly revealing.
Carlos Baleba battles with Bruno Fernandes for possession during a difficult performance against Manchester United
The 22-year-old has been on United's radar since the summer(Image: Getty)
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"I don't really think like that: playing for two or three years and then leaving. Me? I just work. In my head it's all about working and helping my club," Baleba explained.
"If I can help a team-mate, I will. If they can help me, I'll accept that help to push forward and develop. So, I just work to help my team and myself progress in the future.
"In return, everyone who helps me wants me to go to the highest level. And if there are big clubs who want me, it's not something that worries me or gets me excited.
"I just need to work hard and keep a cool head. I don't know if I'm going to be the star or the next big thing. For me, being the star is quite a lot.
Baleba Carlos Noom Quomah of Cameroon gestures
Baleba is international team-mates with Mbeumo(Image: Getty)
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"Everyone talking about you, singing your name? That just doesn't do it for me. It's not something that gets me running. I just prefer getting my head down and working on the pitch."
Whilst this mindset doesn't necessarily aid United's pursuit of the determined Baleba, such characteristics are commendable and would only intensify their ambition to secure the Cameroonian's signature either now or in the coming months.
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