Man United close in on Baleba deal after reviving Brighton interest
Manchester United are making progress in their efforts to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba after reopening talks over a potential transfer.
United have returned for the Cameroon international after abandoning their pursuit last summer when Brighton demanded a fee in excess of £100m.
Stay updated: Set GistReel as a favorite source on Google to catch our stories first.
The midfielder has remained on the club’s radar, and United have now tabled an initial offer of £60m as they attempt to strengthen their midfield before the transfer window closes.
United revive Baleba pursuit
Brighton value Baleba higher than United’s opening proposal, but negotiations between the two clubs are continuing as the Red Devils look to reach an agreement.
United initially explored a move for the midfielder close to deadline day last summer but were discouraged by Brighton’s valuation. The Seagulls’ asking price has since fallen significantly, making a deal more realistic for Michael Carrick’s side.
United turned their attention back to Baleba after failing to complete a move for Matheus Fernandes earlier in the summer.
The potential arrival would add another defensive-minded option to a midfield that has already been strengthened during the current transfer window.
Midfielder faces injury setback
United have already signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £48m and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35m.
Santos impressed alongside Mason Mount during United’s opening three pre-season matches, but Mount has since been dealing with a foot problem sustained against Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg on 8 August.
Baleba’s potential arrival would also come with an immediate fitness concern.
The 21-year-old suffered an ankle ligament injury during pre-season and is expected to remain sidelined for another two to three weeks. His availability for the beginning of the campaign is therefore uncertain.
Baleba made 35 appearances for Brighton last season, primarily operating as a defensive midfielder, and collected seven yellow cards.
Brighton are preparing for their Europa Conference League play-off against Tromso, with Fabian Hurzeler’s squad travelling to Norway ahead of Thursday’s first-leg encounter.