Carlos Baleba could finally secure the Manchester United move he has wanted for some time.
The Cameroon midfielder has been linked with Old Trafford since last summer, and negotiations now appear to be progressing as United look to strengthen their options in the centre of the pitch.
Baleba, 22, was keen on joining Manchester United near the end of the previous summer transfer window. Brighton refused to sell at the time, with their reported valuation of more than £100m effectively ending United’s pursuit.
The midfielder then endured a more difficult campaign, struggling to reproduce his best form while also dealing with fitness problems. He is currently unavailable because of an ankle injury, but that has not stopped United from returning for him before the new season.
Ornstein reports progress in United’s talks with Brighton
Transfer journalist David Ornstein reported that Manchester United are closing in on an agreement for Baleba.
According to his update, United have proposed a package worth around £60m plus a further £5m in additional payments. That figure remains below Brighton’s valuation, but discussions between the clubs are continuing on positive terms as they try to find a compromise.
Baleba arrived at Brighton from French side Lille in 2023 for approximately £15m. Since then, he has made 112 appearances for the club, scoring four goals and providing two assists.
A transfer at the figures currently being discussed would therefore represent a substantial return on Brighton’s original investment.
Brighton may prefer to cash in on Baleba now
For many Brighton supporters, renewed interest from Manchester United will not come as a major surprise.
Baleba was already open to leaving last summer and, while describing his performances as a lack of effort would be excessive, his level clearly dropped during the following campaign.
Brighton are likely to want more than £70m before agreeing to sell. The midfielder remains under contract until 2028, with the club also holding an option to extend the deal by another year.
His recent form has been inconsistent, but his age and potential continue to give him significant value. At his best, Baleba has shown that he can compete with some of the strongest midfielders in the Premier League.
Brighton may also believe they are well placed to manage his departure. Yasin Ayari and Pascal Gross are currently among the leading midfield options, while Jack Hinshelwood, Diego Gomez and Mats Wieffer are also capable of playing centrally.
Receiving more than £70m would additionally give Brighton considerable room to invest in another midfielder if they decide further reinforcement is necessary.
There is also an argument that selling now could help the club avoid another campaign in which speculation around Baleba’s future becomes a distraction.
One Sussex World columnist and long time Brighton supporter suggested that many fans would accept the midfielder’s departure if United meet the right valuation.
Aston Villa reject fresh approaches for Ollie Watkins
Elsewhere in the transfer market, Aston Villa have reportedly turned down three offers from Al Hilal for England striker Ollie Watkins.
The strongest proposal from the Saudi Arabian club is believed to have been worth around £40m. Villa are now expecting Al Hilal to return with another improved offer as they continue their pursuit of the forward.
Coventry have also been active in the market. Reports in Italy claim the Championship club submitted an £8.5m bid for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, but AC Milan rejected the approach for the midfielder.
Napoli, meanwhile, have asked about the availability of Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee as they consider possible attacking additions.
West Ham complete Joel Piroe loan deal
West Ham have strengthened their attack by signing Joel Piroe on loan from Leeds.
The 27 year old Suriname international has joined for the full season, with the agreement including an option that could allow West Ham to make the transfer permanent next year.
Piroe said he was pleased to have completed the move and is ready to begin his time with the London club.
West Ham are also reportedly nearing an agreement that would see right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka join Aston Villa on loan.
Villa have already completed two permanent additions in goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and left back Matteo Ruggeri.
Suzuki, 23, joins from Parma after spending the previous two seasons in Serie A. His arrival could also create further questions about the long term future of current first choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
The Japan international was born in the United States before growing up in Urawa. He made his senior debut for Urawa Red Diamonds at 18 and has since collected 22 appearances for his national team.
Ruggeri, 24, has also moved to Aston Villa on a permanent basis. The Italian defender developed through Atalanta’s academy and arrives from Atletico Madrid following Lucas Digne’s departure to Paris Saint Germain.
