Brighton CEO Paul Barber gives Carlos Baleba update amid Man United interest | OneFootball

Brighton CEO Paul Barber says any Carlos Baleba exit will only be agreed if it makes financial sense, with Manchester United stepping up their interest late in the window.

"I mean this time of year as you know we
re always going to be subject to bids for our players. We are always going to be interested in ones that are sensible and that are going to make sense for us financially and economically," he told talkSPORT.

Baleba, 22, has become a key figure since joining from Lille. United are prioritising central midfield after Casemiros departure and a major injury to Manuel Ugarte left Michael Carrick short. They have already signed Andrey Santos for 348 million and triggered Youri Tielemans 35 million clause.

United have reportedly lodged an initial 360 million bid, with a further five million in add-ons, and Brighton are thought to view it as slightly below their valuation, though talks are said to be positive.

"We always have to balance that with making sure the squad is as strong as it can be to compete in competitions like the one we are in tonight [Europa Conference League]," Barber added.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”