Manchester United have directly informed Brighton & Hove Albion of how big a bid they plan to make for Carlos Baleba, while they also have two alternative targets on their radar if they fail to bring the midfielder to Old Trafford.
Baleba has been the subject of intense transfer rumours in recent days. Manchester United are determined to sign the Cameroonian international from Premier League rivals Brighton. The 21-year-old has been at Brighton since 2023, and United have been very impressed by the young player’s performances in England. Brigton paid Lille 27 million euros and can now look forward to a huge profit on his investment.
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“Record bid” on the way
TEAMtalk’s transfer expert Dean Jones reported on August 14 that Man Utd are planning an immediate approach to Baleba. He says that Brighton are ready to reject any bid for the young Cameroonian.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler has publicly stated that he is “very, very, very confident” that Baleba will be part of his team after the transfer window closes.
But Manchester United refuse to take no for an answer, and United In Focus now reveals how big a bid United plan to make.
An intermediary involved in the deal has told United In Focus that Man Utd “have informed Brighton and Baleba that they are ready to make a club-record bid of over £100 million (€116 million)”.
Brighton want at least £
115 million The report mentions that Brighton owner Tony Bloom is demanding at least £115 million for Baleba, but Man Utd believe an initial bid of £100 million could open up negotiations.
A bid of €116 million would have seen Man Utd pay £11 million more than they paid for Paul Pogba in 2016 – the French midfielder remains the club’s record signing at £89 million.
Journalist Graeme Bailey added: “Baleba and his representatives have been in contact with United. Brighton are aware of this, and United have not been shy to explain to him why he would fit in so well with them.”
“While he’s not pushing for a transfer, it’s not impossible that he’s been a little tempted. Brighton are firm, but this is not over yet.”
Two options for Manchester United
Although Manchester United are determined to sign Baleba before the transfer window closes on September 1, they are aware that Brighton could resist even with a bid over £100m.
United already have two potential options on their radar: Morten Hjulmand and Quinten Timber.
Hjulmand worked with Man Utd manager Amorim at Sporting CP, and according to The Sun, United are interested in him. The report mentions that the Danish international will cost less than half of Baleba, with United willing to pay £50 million for the 26-year-old.
Sources told TEAMtalk that Feyenoord previously wanted at least €25 million for the 24-year-old Dutch international Timber.
Football Transfers are now reporting that Man Utd are “closely watching” Timber as a potential alternative to Baleba. The report claims that many at Man Utd believe Timber – the twin brother of Arsenal defender Jurriën Timber – is a better tactical match than Baleba.
What people are saying about Carlos Baleba
“He had a fantastic second season for Brighton and he will get even better and probably go to a ‘bigger’ club.”Tim Sherwood
“I would be surprised if this happens. I still think he has to show a little more. There is still potential there. You don’t pay £100 million for something that is still potential.” Roy Keane
“I think United have to get him now in this window or they won’t get him. If he has another good season, I think teams like Real Madrid will come in with big bids.” Troy Deeney
“Carlos Baleba is exactly the type of player Manchester United need and it is a very positive sign that the club is pursuing a deal despite the difficulties.” Melissa Reddy
“Baleba is a young talent, but a fantastic one with high potential. I’m not saying he’s the immediate solution, but he’s something completely different from what we have, and that’s exactly what this team needs.” Rio Ferdinand
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