Carlos Baleba issues fresh statement amid Man Utd transfer confusion

Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba this summer and the 21-year-old has spoken out after featuring for the Seagulls against Fulham

Carlos Baleba has spoken out after featuring in Brighton's opening game of the season, despite strong interest in his services from Manchester United. The Red Devils have spent big so far this summer, forking out more than £200million on Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

Ruben Amorim is hopeful the trio will provide United with more cutting edge in the final third and he is also keen to strengthen his midfield, with Baleba emerging as their top target earlier this summer.

They entered talks with Brighton earlier this month, but United are unwilling to pay the £120m that the Seagulls are demanding. However, reports have claimed that Baleba is keen on a move to Old Trafford and prepared to keep pushing for it even if that means waiting until next summer.

Despite the ongoing speculation about his future, Baleba did start for Brighton as they drew 1-1 with Fulham in their Premier League opener on Saturday. And the 21-year-old took to social media after the game, posting a series of snaps with the caption: "Just me doing the thing I love most.

"Had fun playing at home with the boys. Nothing new here, just my number and a haircut."

Baleba's caption appears to be a reference to comments made by Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler ahead of the game when he was quizzed on the midfielder's future. When asked if he believes Baleba will remain at Brighton, Hurzeler replied: "I am very, very confident.

"I didn't see any change, he's only changed his hair. I think that's the change he's made in the last two weeks. But overall, he seems to be in a really good place, he's enjoying it with his team-mates, he's enjoying being a Brighton player. I didn't see any big changes and he's an option to start tomorrow".

Amorim also addressed the rumours ahead of United's opener against Arsenal. When asked if he wants to bring in a new midfielder this summer, he replied: "I'm really happy with our players.

"They are working really well, we have different players for that position, so we are prepared to win any game with our players. Maybe Mason Mount is a player that I think can play in that position if we want something different.

"But then we are going to find out [during] the season. We have players to cope to win games in the Premier League."