Carlos Baleba: Man United’s hunt for Brighton star takes twist | OneFootball

Manchester United have a considerable budget to reshape their midfield, but the Red Devils are still expected to miss out on some of their key targets.

This summer’s dream target is Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest, who value the England international at about £100 million.

According to The Guardian, United’s executives are optimistic they can beat Manchester City in the race for the 23-year-old. However, as things stand, the noisy neighbours are considered favourites to sign Anderson.

Brighton believe Carlos Baleba will stay

The situation is very different in the case of Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba.

The Cameroonian box-to-box midfielder, known for his exceptional athleticism, was regarded as Manchester United’s dream midfield target last summer. However, Brighton’s £100m price-tag proved to be an insurmountable hurdle at the time. 

It is understood that United had an agreement with Baleba “on personal terms” last August. Furthermore, in April of this year, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed that “verbal agreement between Baleba and Manchester United from summer 2025 remains valid.”

As such, many expected the pursuit to be straightforward this summer, given Baleba had an underwhelming season. However, Brighton’s stance remains unchanged. The Seagulls are reluctant to offer any significant discount for the 22-year-old, leading to another stalemate.

The Guardian reports that United are interested in Baleba. However, Brighton believe the Cameroon international will remain at the south coast club.

Manchester United following Mateus Fernandes

With Baleba now looking unlikely, United have shifted their attention towards West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes.

It is claimed United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, is monitoring Fernandes as another option to strengthen the midfield department. 

West Ham are believed to want in the region of £80m for the young Portuguese. INEOS have no intention to meet the Hammers’ demands.

United may benefit from playing a waiting game, given West Ham are in desperate need to raise cash through sales following their relegation to the Championship.

Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images

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