The latest Man Utd transfer news as they continue to be linked with Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
Carlos Baleba is missing from Brighton’s squad vs Wolfsburg.(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United-linked Carlos Baleba has been left out of Brighton’s squad for this afternoon’s pre-season friendly against Wolfsburg.
The midfielder, 21, has emerged as a candidate to become the club’s fifth signing of the summer at Old Trafford after Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Diego Leon have all been added to Ruben Amorim’s squad.
Reports this week have stated that United have made contact with Brighton via intermediaries to explore the conditions over a potential move. The Seagulls are understood to be adamant om keeping Baleba at the AMEX Stadium for another year, at least.
United have been linked with a host of midfielders this summer with that position said to be one that Amorim is keen to bolster. Doubts over Casemiro’s status at this level remain present and Manuel Ugarte is yet to cement a spot in the line-up since his move 12 months ago.
Baleba, who would likely cost between £100million and £115million, is reportedly ready to say yes to a move to Old Trafford if a financial package is agreed between the two clubs. It remains to be seen whether that will be the case with just three weeks left of the window.
The Seagulls are playing their final pre-season match of the summer before they kick-off their Premier League schedule against Fulham next weekend, and Baleba was nowhere to be seen.
However, the midfielder has missed a large portion of pre-season due to an ongoing knee injury. After the last three friendlies, Fabian Hurzeler said he hoped Baleba would return to training this week.
The Sussex Express have reported that Baleba’s absence against the Bundesliga outfit is down to his injury. It’s claimed the Cameroonian is working his way back to match fitness.
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