Carlos Baleba has been a Manchester United since at least last summer (Image: Richard Parkes)
Carlos Baleba has been a Manchester United since at least last summer (Image: Richard Parkes)
Carlos Baleba’s immediate Albion future was reportedly in doubt as his club-mates travelled to their first game of the new season.
Manchester United were reported to be making amicable progress on a possible deal for the Cameroon midfielder.
Baleba has been ruled out of recent action due to an ankle injury suffered during pre-season training in Vienna.
But the issue is said not to be serious and has apparently not deterred United.
David Ornstein at The Athletic revealed an initial bid of up to £65 million and ongoing “amicable” communication between the clubs.
There has been no comment from closer to Albion.
Baleba was a prime target for United last summer but, as reported by The Argus at the time, Albion had no intention of selling him until at least this transfer window - and possibly beyond that.
Seagulls fans will recall the variety of potentially unsettling coverage regarding Baleba last summer, seemingly emanating from the North West.
He has had an up-and-down season since then but remains a player of high potential and strong physical qualities.
United have been searching for a central midfielder for some time and are now looking to build on as strong finale to last season under the management of Michael Carrick, who himself excelled in that role in his playing days.
Baleba is not expected to be part of Albion’s season-opener at Tromso in the Conference League play-off round and has not featured in recent friendlies.
Read more
Ex-Albion defender reveals he is back in training after second major heart operation
Tromso top scorer says facing Albion will be 'really fun'
Albion youngsters give a reminder in Trophy win
But there is no need for conspiracy theories regarding that absence.
He limped out of the Friday session in Vienna ahead of a game with Strasbourg, accompanied by a member of the club’s fitness staff.
Baleba was on crutches and had his foot and ankle in a protective boot the following day as he watched his team-mates in a 4-3 win.
The extent of the injury was confirmed a few days later and was said to be less serious than might have been feared.