‘Dream’ target open to joining Man Utd, but Fabrizio Romano reveals astronomical cost | OneFootball

Manchester United may have received a boost in their pursuit of Carlos Baleba, but they’ve been told that striking an agreement with Brighton won’t be an easy task at all.

After finalising the transfers of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, and closing in on a deal for Benjamin Sesko, INEOS’ next objective is to bolster Ruben Amorim’s middle of the park.

Bruno Fernandes is expected to operate in the double pivot, but the identity of his partner-in-crime remains uncertain. After all, Casemiro’s best days are far behind him, Manuel Ugarte hasn’t fully convinced last season, while Kobbie Mainoo might be ill-suited for this role which requires impeccable pace and intensity.

Carlos Baleba open to joining Man United

In recent days, Baleba emerged as Man Utd’s preferred target for the role. The 23-year-old is a Cameroonian international who rose to prominence during his time at LOSC Lille, before taking his game to a whole new level after joining Brighton in the summer of 2023.

In his latest post on GiveMeSport, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano identifies Baleba as United’s ‘dream’ target, and reveals that the battling midfielder is open to joining the Red Devils.

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The source explains how Baleba’s name has been circulating at Carrington since the arrival of Amorim, who had immediately specified the attributes required in a new midfielder, as they happen to intertwine with the characteristics of the Brighton star.

While this piece of information consists a significant boost for the Premier League giants, the transfer market expert also offered a worrying update for the Red Devils

Brighton set hefty price tag for Baleba

Romano reveals that Brighton have no intention to part ways with the Cameroonian star who is tied to the club with a contract lasting until June 2028 (with an option for another year).

The Seagulls would be loath to lose the services of one of their key players with only a few weeks separating us from the transfer window’s deadline day. Therefore, Romano believes Brighton will only be willing to consider astronomical offers north of £100 million.

It remains to be seen if this figure will repel Man United, or whether they’ll try to negotiate more favourable terms.

MUFC would at least have to sell their outcasts (Sancho, Garnacho, Antony and Malacia) to raise some transfer funds in order to cover the costs of the operation.