Manchester United are growing in confidence that they will finally be able to sign their long-term target Carlos Baleba this summer, according to reports.
The Cameroonian midfielder was targeted by the Old Trafford side last summer but ended up staying, as United refused to meet Brighton’s demands of around £115m.
United are targeting a new holding midfielder as part of their plans to rebuild their options in the middle of the park amid the impending departure of veteran Casemiro.
The Brazilian is set to call time on his four-year spell at Old Trafford at the end of his contract and has already received an approach from MLS side Inter Miami.
Man Utd Confident of Carlos Baleba Signing
According to Theatre of Red, there is growing optimism at Carrington that Baleba could finally make the long-awaited move to Manchester after the season.
United reportedly sense that a potential transfer fee is now closer to their internal valuation, after they were around £50m short of Brighton’s demands last summer.
Baleba’s difficult season at the Amex Stadium has certainly not helped his stock, with the Cameroonian failing to nail down a regular spot in manager Fabian Hurzeler’s starting line-up.
The 22-year-old midfielder was left on the bench for Brighton’s wins over Liverpool and Burnley, and started just once in their last six league games.
Earlier in the season, Hurzeler admitted Baleba’s difficult campaign may be a consequence of interest from United last summer.
GMS sources understand that United seriously pushed for the Cameroonian’s arrival and have managed to secure an agreement over personal terms.
Since then, little has changed regarding the situation, with Baleba – praised as ‘better than Moises Caicedo’ – still keen on a move to Old Trafford despite a season full of struggles on the south coast.
Man Utd Must Seal Baleba Deal
United’s long-standing interest in Baleba is hardly surprising, given the Cameroonian fits what the Red Devils are currently missing in midfield.
The 22-year-old is a high-energy, ball-winning midfielder who can cover ground and press aggressively. He also has the physicality to cope with the demands of the Premier League and is already settled in England.
Given United are facing strong competition from rivals Manchester City for their primary midfield target Elliot Anderson, while Newcastle are expected to play hardball over Sandro Tonali, a move for Baleba could also make financial sense.
Brighton are likely to soften their demands after the season as they will be in a weaker negotiating position, with the Cameroonian entering the final two years of his contract.
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