Manchester United are pursuing Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba in a potential late transfer window move.
Even with three major signings acquired and no permanent exits so far, Manchester United are still active in the transfer market.
United’s latest target is Brighton’s rising midfield star. Carlos Baleba is a player who the club are now enquiring about, while the fans are desperate for him to sign.
Having already revealed that a number of Manchester United players have been in touch with Carlos Baleba, insider David Ornstein has delivered another update.
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty ImagesCarlos Baleba situation latest
The Carlos Baleba situation is a developing one and may depend on how United get on with selling players.
Speaking to the Sports Agents podcast, David Ornstein explained: “A number six is absolutely essential in their mind and at the top of that list is Carlos Baleba, and Ruben Amorim is said to be a big fan.”
He explained that despite efforts from United to engage with Brighton, the Red Devils have been met with resistance.
“Manchester United are exploring that situation, and conversations have been held with Brighton via intermediaries working on their behalf to try and ascertain a number, a price, that hasn’t happened. At the time of recording, Brighton have made clear that they don’t intend to sell him, that they would prefer to keep him for at least another year.”
Ornstein added that despite United’s desire to make a move happen, he is doubtful that it is one the Red Devils can pull off.
“Many people on both sides don’t see this happening, but you could say, you’ve got to be in it to win it. There’s no harm in knocking at the door and asking the question. That’s what United are doing.
“If a price comes back and it’s too high, I presume it doesn’t go further. If it’s potentially achievable, maybe they continue to explore it.”
Manchester United showing forward thinking
For way too long, Manchester United have been left behind in the transfer market by rivals. And while Baleba is expensive, he is a potentially elite player who many top teams would love to sign in the future.
Ornstein believes Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United are trying to steal a march on competitors and deserves praise for the attempted move, however it turns out.
He adds: “One thing that you could say is deserving of credit on Manchester United’s part is that there is expected to be a fierce battle for believer, whether it be next summer or in the future, with some really big guns coming in for him in the number six position.
“Perhaps Manchester United thought, why not try and get ahead of that? Be proactive and give it a whirl. And if it works out, great. If it doesn’t, so be it.”
It is clear Manchester United face resistance from Brighton, and may have to overpay for Baleba. But this could be a risk worth taking as opposed to seeing him bought next summer by Liverpool or Manchester City.
Baleba is a player who could help United to close the gap. That is worth paying for, instead of allowing the gap to widen.