Manchester United are reportedly on the cusp of signing Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
Baleba has been firmly on United’s radar for well over a year having caught the eye across a impressive three-season spell at the Amex Stadium.
It was uncertain if the Red Devils would step up their efforts to further strengthen in midfield after securing the signings of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively.
United had also appeared on the verge of a total agreement to land Atalanta midfielder Ederson last month, but the Brazilian’s proposed switch to Old Trafford broke down at the eleventh hour.
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Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes were also identified as potential targets, only for the trio to choose moves elsewhere in the Premier League, namely Manchester City and Tottenham.
But according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, United chiefs have made a breakthrough and are fast ‘closing in’ on Baleba to become their third addition in central midfield following Casemiro’s departure at the start of the window.
It’s claimed United have submitted an initial bid in the region of £60million plus £5m in add-ons for the 22-year-old Cameroon international.
Brighton are reluctant to sell at that price as things stand but the report states that discussions remain ‘amicable’, with all parties eager to find a resolution.
More to follow.