Manchester United have made contact with Brighton & Hove Albion, via intermediaries, to explore the conditions of a deal for midfielder Carlos Baleba.
The 21-year-old, who has three years left on his Brighton contract, is emerging as one of the most highly-rated players in his position and Brighton do not intend to sanction a sale this summer.
But interest is building and United are among the many suitors, which has now been relayed through go-betweens.
Brighton made clear they favour keeping hold of the Cameroon international — who is under contract until 2028 with an option to extend by 12 months — for at least another year.
There is also a recognition on all sides that a switch now may be unrealistic, especially if United seal their proposed move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
Unless the Old Trafford side are able to secure a raft of lucrative sales, it is improbable they can afford big-money recruits up front and in the number six role.
However, those are the two key positions they want to bolster at present and Baleba features prominently among the targets.
It should be known in the coming days if the situation can develop or not as United look to continue strengthening head coach Ruben Amorim’s squad.
In addition to United’s search for a striker, United are also in the market for a mobile midfielder, as reported in The Athletic’s Transfer DealSheet on July 29.
They currently have Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, and Toby Collyer in their ranks, while Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo can also be deployed in the central midfielder positions in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation.
The Athletic previously reported that Collyer, 21, may leave the club on loan this summer, while Casemiro, 33, has entered the final year of his United contract.
Baleba joined Brighton from Lille in the summer of 2023 in a deal worth just under £26million ($34.5m) with add-ons.
During his time in the Premier League, the Cameroon international has established himself as one of the division’s most promising young midfielders.
Last season, he made 40 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals and providing two assists. Baleba has made seven appearances for Cameroon.
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