Carlos Baleba: Manchester United close to completing deal for Brighton star

Manchester United are on the brink of completing a deal to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, the reliable David Ornstein of The Athletic has confirmed.

Baleba interest

United have been on the hunt for a third midfield recruit after announcing the signings of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively.

Heading into the summer window, bolstering the engine room was widely mentioned as the club’s priority. Baleba’s name constantly popped up as a target after United’s failed approach for him last summer.

United attempted to lure the Cameroonian to their ranks but a deal did not materialise due to Brighton’s excessive price. It’s understood that the Seagulls were demanding north of £100m to sanction his exit.

But United continued keeping tabs on Baleba despite his dwindling form last season. It looked like the likelihood of him sealing a switch to Old Trafford had completely gone out of the window when it emerged that he had sustained an injury set to keep him sidelined for the start of the season.

Now, Ornstein has revealed that United are close to agreeing a deal with Brighton for Baleba.

Baleba bombshell

According to Ornstein, “Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion are closing in on a deal for midfielder Carlos Baleba.”

“United have made an offer of around £60million (€70m, $81m) plus £5m in add-ons which is felt to be below what Brighton would be seeking to sell.”

“Amicable talks continue with all parties working towards finding an agreement for the Cameroon international to move to Old Trafford.”

The report also details, “The 22-year-old is currently working his way back to fitness after an ankle ligament injury but the issue is not considered serious or expected to keep him out long-term.”

While nothing is agreed yet, it sounds positive and the chances of Baleba being a United player are strong.

After landing the player, United will likely turn their attention to a left-back, with Lewis Hall of Newcastle under consideration.

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