Manchester United and Brighton close in on Carlos Baleba deal | OneFootball

Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion are closing in on an agreement for midfielder Carlos Baleba, with amicable talks ongoing. According to NY Times, United have offered around £60 million, €70 million, $81 million, plus £5 million in add-ons, a figure understood to be below Brighton’s valuation.

The 22-year-old Cameroon international is returning from an ankle ligament issue that is not thought to be serious. Midfield has been a major focus for United this summer.

Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos have arrived from Aston Villa and Chelsea respectively. A deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson was agreed before United withdrew over concerns about the Brazil international’s knee, while Elliot Anderson chose Manchester City.

If a move progresses, Baleba would join Tielemans, Santos, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes as first-team options for head coach Michael Carrick. His left foot could also provide cover at left-back.

Baleba joined Brighton from Lille in summer 2023 and has made 112 appearances, including 35 last season, missing several during the Africa Cup of Nations. United also watched him with Cameroon at the tournament and rate his ground coverage, ball-winning and passing.

United explored a transfer last summer when they were prepared to pay up to £75 million, but Brighton wanted more than £100 million. The current approach is for significantly less.

Source: NY Times

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