Manchester United have opened talks with Brighton to sign 21-year-old Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baleba this summer. Baleba is one of the most highly-rated youngsters in the Premier League and the Red Devils are plotting an ambitious move to sign him, despite inching closer to sealing a big-money deal for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko.
- Man Utd eye move for Baleba
- Open talks with Brighton
- Seagulls unlikely to sell young midfielder
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WHAT HAPPENED?
According to journalist , the Red Devils have shown strong interest in signing Cameroon international Baleba from Brighton and have contacted their Premier League rivals. The report adds that the Seagulls have agreed to open initial talks, but the 21-year-old is likely to cost around €100 million (£87m/$116m).
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
, on the other hand, claims that it is unlikely that Brighton will agree to sell Baleba, whose current deal runs until 2028 with an option to extend by a year. The move could also be unrealistic for the Red Devils, who are close to finalising a big-money move for RB Leipzig's star forward Sesko. Unless the English giants can sell a host of unwanted stars like Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony soon, they won't be able to afford another costly incoming transfer.
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DID YOU KNOW?
United do need new signings to bolster their midfield and Baleba remains a key target for them, but for now an agreement seems unlikely. They currently have Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo and Toby Collyer in the central midfield, while captain Bruno Fernandes can also drop in.
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WHAT BRIGHTON SAID
Brighton CEO Paul Barber addressed Baleba's situation while speaking at a fans' event, as he said: "There is always going to be interest in our players. Manchester United have not been in touch with me. Speculation is speculation. Carlos is a fantastic talent. We hope he will be hear for years to come, but it is subject to the dynamics of the football world, which isn't always predictable."
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