Manchester United haven’t given up on their pursuit of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
With Ruben Amorim highlighting the need for more depth in midfield, the club are weighing up a substantial bid for Carlos Baleba.
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Despite Brighton’s reluctance to sell, United In Focus reports that Manchester United remain confident they can reach an agreement for Baleba.
Manchester United make record bid for Carlos Baleba
Brighton consider Carlos Baleba a crucial part of their squad, and manager Fabian Hurzeler said on August 15: “I am very, very confident Baleba will stay with us.”
However, Manchester United are prepared to challenge that stance, hoping a significant offer could change the situation.
United In Focus has learned from transfer insider Graeme Bailey that despite early enquiries being dismissed and no indication from Brighton to make an offer, United are set to submit a club-record bid.
Sources close to the club have made it clear that this isn’t just a speculative move – there’s genuine confidence within United that they can bring the Cameroonian international to Old Trafford.
An intermediary involved in the negotiations, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told us that United have informed both Brighton and Baleba’s camp of their intention to submit a bid exceeding £100 million. “The offer is real and imminent,” the source confirmed. “United believe it will be enough to start serious discussions.”
While Brighton owner Tony Bloom is expected to hold out for something closer to the £115 million received for Moises Caicedo last summer, an offer around £100 million is thought to be enough for talks at least getting started at the Amex Stadium.
Baleba drawn to Manchester’s interest
The midfielder isn’t currently pushing for a move but has spoken with Paul Barber and Bloom about being open to talks with United if a serious bid comes in.
“Baleba and his camp have had contact with United,” Bailey says. “Brighton are aware and United have not been shy in explaining why he would be such a good fit. While he isn’t pushing for a move yet, it wouldn’t be surprising if his head has been turned by now.”
Man United eyeing goalkeeper addition
United In Focus understands that Manchester United are still open to adding a goalkeeper along with a midfielder before the window shuts.
Bailey adds: “United aren’t ruling out more significant moves, possibly for a CDM and goalkeeper. While it’s not guaranteed, it’s certainly being discussed.”
“There’s a feeling within the club that these two additions could make a real difference this season. They’re weighing up whether they’re just two players away from being genuine contenders, and I can see where they’re coming from.”
The club have been linked with Belgian keeper Senne Lammens, and while talk of Gianluigi Donnarumma has cooled, the Paris Saint-Germain stopper is still looking for a move to the Premier League.
Meanwhile, there is growing confidence at Old Trafford that deals will be found to move on Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia before the deadline.
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