Manchester United Pursues Brighton’s Carlos Baleba with Renewed Interest
Manchester United is advancing towards a possible transfer deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. The English club had previously sought to acquire the Cameroon international close to the summer transfer deadline last year, but their efforts were stymied by Brighton’s asking price, which exceeded £100 million.
Recently, United has been encouraged by a reduction in Baleba’s valuation. After they were unable to secure Matheus Fernandes earlier this summer, the club has turned its attention back to Baleba. Their initial offer of £60 million falls short of Brighton’s current asking price, but negotiations are ongoing.
In addition to Baleba, Manchester United has already brought in new midfielders this summer, signing Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £48 million and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35 million.
Mason Mount began the pre-season alongside Santos strongly; however, he is currently dealing with a foot injury sustained during a match against Paris St-Germain in Gothenburg on August 8, affecting his availability.
Baleba is also facing his own challenges after injuring an ankle ligament during pre-season training. It is anticipated that he will be sidelined for another two to three weeks.
Meanwhile, Brighton’s squad, managed by Fabian Hurzeler, is set to travel to Norway on Wednesday for their Uefa Conference League play-off first-leg encounter against Tromso. Last season, Baleba appeared in 35 matches for Brighton, accumulating seven yellow cards in his role as a defensive midfielder.
Manchester United are closing in on a deal to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
United attempted to sign the Cameroon international near deadline day last summer but were put off by Brighton’s valuation, which was in excess of £100m.
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However, the price has reduced significantly and after failing in their pursuit of Matheus Fernandes earlier this summer, United have decided to revisit Baleba.
Their initial £60m offer is below Brighton’s valuation, but talks are continuing.
The Red Devils have already signed midfielders Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £48m and Youri Tielemans, who joined from Aston Villa in July for £35m.
Mason Mount did excel alongside Santos in the first three games of pre-season, but he has been struggling to overcome a foot problem he suffered against Paris St-Germain in Gothenburg on 8 August.
It is not clear when Baleba will be fit to play given he injured an ankle ligament during pre-season. He is expected to be out for another two to three weeks.
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Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton squad fly to Norway on Wednesday for Thursday’s Uefa Conference League play-off first-leg match with Tromso.
Baleba made 35 appearances for Brighton last season, picking up seven yellow cards as a defensive midfielder.
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