Manchester United, Newcastle & West Ham in touch for Carlos Baleba

19-year-old Lille midfielder Carlos Baleba is attracting serious interest from Premier League clubs at the start of this summer transfer window, according to La Voix du Nord.

The young Cameroonian is on the shortlist of 4 different Premier League clubs who have been informed of LOSC’s price tag of a total package of €30m, per the outlet.

Newcastle United, West Ham United and Manchester United have been in touch but the player’s entourage has refused to confirm the identity of the clubs interested when contacted.

Last year, Lille found themselves in a similar situation with Belgian international midfielder Amadou Onana, who ended up being sold to Everton for €35m. Onana’s salary was quadrupled during that move. Baleba, who is under contract until June 2026, is open to discovering the Premier League, but is conscious of the fact that he has only made 19 professional appearances in Ligue 1 so far, as well as another two appearances in the Coupe de France.

“I could tell you I can’t believe he’s 18,” Jonathan David told La Voix du Nord during the 2022/23 campaign. “We know that the midfield is an important part of the field, especially to allow us to control the game. Carlos is young, but he brings something different, which is very good for us. He’s powerful, tough, drives the ball very well, can find a pass…”

GFFN | James Thorpe