Manchester United are keen on Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba but the highly-rated Cameroon star is also being courted by Manchester City after a stellar 2024-25 season
Carlos Baleba is being courted by Manchester City as well as Manchester United amid speculation that the Brighton midfielder could yet move this summer for a massive transfer fee.
Baleba, 21, has been a shrewd acquisition for Brighton, who snapped up the Cameroon star back in the summer of 2023 for £23.2million. Unfortunately for the Seagulls, though, the midfielder's stellar performances on the south coast have not gone unnoticed among their Premier League rivals.
It emerged earlier this week that United had made contact with Brighton through intermediaries to register their interest in Baleba.
However, it's now clear that United are likely to face significant competition in the race for Baleba's signature from their arch-rivals, Manchester City.
ESPN outline that City's manager, Pep Guardiola, is a long-time admirer of Baleba, who made 34 appearances in the top-flight last season.
City's interest in signing Baleba could pose a significant hurdle for United should they choose to pursue a deal for the midfielder, though Brighton will not sell one of their key players on the cheap.
The same outlet claims that Brighton would demand a monster €120 million (£104m) transfer fee in order to sanction a sale to any of Baleba's suitors this summer.
And with the Red Devils poised to sign Benjamin Sesko in a deal totalling £74m including add-ons, Brighton's demands would make it difficult for United to finance a swoop for Baleba in this transfer window.
On Baleba's part, the player is said to be perfectly happy to stay with Brighton for another year if the chance to move before the 1 September deadline fails to materialise.
United will focus on outgoings after finalising a deal for Sesko, who is scheduled to undergo a medical and sign for the club officially on Friday. A number of players, including Alejandro Garnacho, have been deemed surplus to requirements and any additional funds raised from player trading would potentially open the door to further incomings.
Chelsea are interested in signing Garnacho and have opened talks with United with a view to striking an agreement for the Argentina international. Jadon Sancho and Antony are two other players who have no future at Old Trafford and are free to move on should any of their suitors reach an agreement with United for their services.