Manchester United boost as Brighton eye Aston Villa midfielder Lamare Bogard as replacement for Carlos Baleba | OneFootball

Manchester United remain keen on signing Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba after making inquiries last summer.

The Seagulls have started preparing for life without Baleba and have identified Aston Villa midfielder Lamare Bogarde as his potential replacement, according to the Telegraph.

Baleba is expected to cost the Red Devils more than £100 million, and it appears they are willing to break the bank to sign him.

Man United manager Ruben Amorim wants a new central midfielder, and the 21-year-old fits the bill.

However, the Brighton star is not the only one on their radar in the position, with Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson also being tracked.

Palace and Forest could play hardball given the importance of their key midfielders, but Brighton have started preparing for Baleba’s potential departure.

The Cameroon international joined them from Lille in 2023 for £23.2m, and they could end up spending slightly above that figure to replace him.

Bogarde is valued at above £25m, and Villa could be open to selling him as they are desperate to balance the books.

The Dutchman joined them as a 16-year-old from Feyenoord’s academy in September 2020 and has played his way into the first team after time in the under-21s and on loan at Bristol Rovers.

Bogarde has made 15 appearances this term, and Brighton are convinced he has what it takes to succeed Baleba.

It could be good news for Man United as it means they can now finally make a concrete move for their target and persuade the Seagulls to do a deal.