Manchester United is enthusiastic about Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, but the highly rated Cameroonist is also the court by Manchester City after a Stellair 2024-25 season
Carlos Baleba is tried by Manchester City and Manchester United in the midst of speculation that the Brighton midfielder could move this summer for enormous transfer costs.
Baleba, 21, has been a smart acquisition for Brighton, who broke back the Cameroon star in the summer of 2023 for £ 23.2 million. Unfortunately for the seagulls, however, the stellar versions of the midfielder on the south coast have not gone unnoticed under their Premier League rivals.
Earlier this week it emerged that United had made contact with Brighton via intermediaries to register their interest in Baleba.
However, it is now clear that United is probably confronted with considerable competition in the race around Baleba's signature of their arch rivals, Manchester City.
ESPN outlines that the city manager, Pep Guardiola, is an old admirer of Baleba, who made 34 performances in the top flight last season.
City's interest in signing Baleba could be an important obstacle for United if they choose to follow a deal for the midfielder, although Brighton will not sell any of their most important players cheaply.
The same outlet claims that Brighton would demand a transfer costs of € 120 million (£ 104 million) to punish a sale to one of the lovers of Baleba this summer.
And with the Red Devils ready to sign Benjamin Sesko in a deal of a total of £ 74 million including add-ons, Brighton's demands would make it difficult for United to finance a dive for Baleba in this transfer window.
From Baleba's side, the player would be perfectly happy to stay with Brighton for another year if the chance to move before the deadline of 1 September does not come true.
United will concentrate on expenditure after completing a deal for Sesko, which is planned to undergo a medical and to officially register for the club on Friday. A number of players, including Alejandro Garnacho, have been considered a surplus against requirements and any additional funds that are collected by players' trade might open the door for further income.
Chelsea is interested in signing Garnacho and has opened conversations with United with a view to reaching an agreement for the Argentina International. Jadon Sancho and Antony are two other players who have no future at Old Trafford and are free to continue if one of their voorags reaches an agreement with United for their services.