Manchester United are willing to offer a member of Ruben Amorim’s ‘bomb squad’ in a stunning £120m deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
Cameroon international Baleba is believed to be United’s top transfer target for the midfield position.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed two impressive seasons at Brighton since his £23m move from Ligue 1 side Lille in 2023.
Baleba made just 21 league appearances for Lille but has quickly developed into one of the most highly-rated midfielders in the Premier League and a top target for Manchester United.
United have spent almost £200m on attacking players this summer, bringing Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to Old Trafford.
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But Ruben Amorim is well aware of the holes that were in his midfield last season and ideally would have liked to see a new midfielder arrive through the doors.
Baleba ticks a lot of boxes for Manchester United and, according to The Independent, has indicated he is ‘highly keen’ for a move to Old Trafford.
But Brighton have insisted they want to keep Baleba at the club for at least one more season and if they do sale, will expect to receive at least £100m.
Despite Brighton potentially demanding up to £120m, The Independent say Manchester United are ‘actively’ trying to complete a deal.
Baleba is Ineos’ top midfield target and Old Trafford bosses are trying to find creative solutions to meet Brighton’s steep demands.
One option, it has been claimed, is to use Jadon Sancho as bait in the deal, although Brighton are not believed to be interested in the United winger.
Sancho has held talks with a number of Serie A clubs this summer after being placed in Amorim’s bomb squad along with Alejandro Garnacho and Antony.
Brighton will demand a transfer record for an African player to sell Baleba, with Nicolas Pepe currently holding that accolade following his £72m move to Arsenal in 2019.
The Seagulls are in a strong negotiating position as Baleba still has three more years left on his current contract, with Brighton also having an option to extend by 12 months.
Significant player sales could alter Manchester United’s stance as they are awaiting a first bid from Chelsea for Argentinian winger Garnacho.
Sancho and Antony have also been put up for sale, while United are open to offers for Rasmus Hojlund following Benjamin Sesko’s £74m move from RB Leipzig.
Speaking at a fans’ forum last week, Brighton chief executive Paul Barber admitted Baleba could leave but denied any contact with Manchester United.
‘Carlos is a fantastic talent,’ he said. ‘We hope he’ll be here for years to come – but it’s subject to the dynamics of the football world, which isn’t always predictable.’
Baleba urged to snub Man City for Man Utd
Baleba has been linked with Manchester City as well as Manchester United but Wes Brown believes he should push for a move to Old Trafford.
‘Man United have a big heritage and a big history,’ he said. ‘You can see with the signings we’ve made that we’re tyring to get back to winning ways.
‘He’s done really well. He’s a player who has probably been under the radar a little bit. He’s quick, sharp, he has a brilliant left foot, he gets in your face and he can tackle.
‘I think he’s the sort of player the manager is looking for in midfield. He’s be very exciting. He’d put a stamp on the midfield along with Bruno Fernandes. He’d be a really positive buy.’
A number of Manchester United players have reportedly contacted Baleba in a bid to convince him to push for a move to the club.
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