"Brighton have so far referred suitors to the £115m fee they received from Chelsea for Moises Caicedo in 2023, believing another nine-figure sum would represent fair market value in the case of Baleba. But insiders now believe a deal could be struck closer to an overall package worth around £70m (€80m, €94.5m)."
"At just 22, he is seen as the closest stylistic successor to Casemiro while still offering long-term value, and the club's hierarchy believe he would slot naturally into the balance of their evolving midfield - particularly with Kobbie Mainoo's emergence easing immediate pressure to overspend."
"Manchester United remain the strongest pursuers, with the club working on plans to bring in two new midfield players following Casemiro's confirmed departure via free agency and uncertainty surrounding Manuel Ugarte."
Manchester United are the frontrunners to acquire Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba this summer. Brighton initially demanded over £100m, referencing the £115m Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo, but sources indicate a deal could be struck around £70m. Baleba, 22, is expected to leave Brighton and represents United's top target for the holding midfield role following Casemiro's departure. United view him as the ideal defensive-minded successor to Casemiro while offering long-term value. The club also targets Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson but considers Baleba their standout option. United's sustained interest since last summer, combined with their stronger negotiating position compared to Liverpool and Tottenham, enhances their prospects of securing the Cameroon international.
Read at TEAMtalk
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