Man Utd close on deal for Brighton's Baleba

What the report says

Manchester United are in talks to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to BBC Sport Football, after renewing an interest they had first shown near deadline day last summer. The club previously backed away when Brighton’s asking price was reported to be above £100m, but the fee is said to have fallen enough for United to revisit the deal. Their opening offer of £60m is below Brighton’s valuation, and negotiations are continuing.

BBC Sport reports that United have already added midfielders Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans this summer, but there are still questions around the squad’s depth and fitness. Mason Mount has been dealing with a foot issue, while Baleba himself is recovering from an ankle ligament injury and is expected to miss another two to three weeks. That means any move would likely be shaped by both transfer terms and the player’s immediate availability.

Baleba, a Cameroon international, made 35 appearances for Brighton last season and was used mainly as a defensive midfielder. His profile is part of why United are interested, as they continue to strengthen in central areas before the new campaign progresses. For Brighton, losing one of their regular starters would be significant, especially with the club preparing for their Uefa Conference League play-off tie against Tromso.