As Manchester United edge ever closer to a Champions League return, the financial windfall of another continental campaign can transform the outlook of an already improving squad.
Having previously invested heavily in attack, while ensuring that Harry Maguire will stay on to aid Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro’s development, the midfield is viewed as the priority area.
While uncertainty remains over Michael Carrick’s long-term future, the former midfielder knows a thing or two about the importance of a strong engine room and has been supplying his recommendations.
Furthermore, with Casemiro departing in a matter of months, alongside the possibility that Manuel Ugarte will also move on, Ineos are determined to bolster the first team with established names.
Elliot Anderson is the ultimate target, while the Premier League duo of Adam Wharton and Sandro Tonali offer a domestic experience profile and ceiling for further growth.
Still, Carlos Baleba has retained his allure since last summer, and his standout performance against Chelsea has revitalised public opinion about the prospects of a long-term partnership with Kobbie Mainoo.
Manchester United officials have never turned their backs on Carlos Baleba.
The 22-year-old has endured somewhat of a stop-and-start season, struggling to replicate his stellar showings of the previous two campaigns.
Whether or not a failed move to Manchester has contributed to this is merely speculation, but a dip in form has not fazed an assured sporting department at Carrington.
Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell are avid admirers of the Cameroon international and have maintained communications with his intermediaries since a last-minute approach was declined in August.
But Brighton are nothing if not shrewd when it comes to wheeling and dealing. And with recent deals for Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo proving financially advantageous, similar expectations are held for Baleba.
Additionally, if the one-time Lille man continues to marshal the midfield, as he did on Tuesday evening, the Seagulls hierarchy will be licking their lips in anticipation of the summer window.
| Brighton vs Chelsea via SofaScore | Carlos Baleba | Moises Caicedo |
| Touches | 59 | 88 |
| Passing accuracy | 41/46 (89%) | 63/70 (90%) |
| Key passes | 1 | 0 |
| Carries | 14 | 16 |
| Defensive contributions | 4 | 5 |
| Clearances | 2 | 4 |
| Blocked shots | 1 | 0 |
| Ball recoveries | 6 | 6 |
While United do retain genuine desires to acquire Baleba, our sources advise that internal conversations routinely include some apprehension about Brighton’s expectations.
We’re told that Caicedo’s London move is regularly revisited with third parties, and the allure of gaining a fee close to the £100 million paid by Chelsea would certainly price the Reds out of any potential deal.
That said, Baleba has only two years remaining on his current package (with an option for a further year), and with earnings of less than £16k per week, the Douala native holds many of the cards in negotiations.
Brighton chiefs have acknowledged the dangers of allowing the youngsters’ contracts to run down, and if a departure is impending, the upcoming period presents their strongest opportunity to maximise profits.
As we have stated for some time, United officials viewed their last-minute approach in August as the beginning of necessary legwork ahead of a future deal.
While much of this depends on Brighton’s willingness to agree to a reasonable figure with future incentives, we’re told that Omar Berrada wishes to complete major acquisitions early in the window.
The prospect of competing in the Champions League has enhanced the draw at M16, providing further fuel for an already eager midfield star to lay his claim.
Does he possess the tools to thrive in a new-look Manchester midfield? He most certainly does, and we’re told that both Carrick and Steve Holland view him as an ideal addition to this squad.
Would you be happy to see Carlos Baleba in red? Get involved in the comments or across our socials.
Photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com.
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