- Man Utd remain interested in Carlos Baleba
- Brighton midfielder is open to joining
- Laurie Whitwell gives his verdict
Laurie Whitwell has given an update on Manchester United’s interest in Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba. The Cameroonian is one of several midfielders on INEOS’ wishlist.
United attempted to sign Baleba last summer, but their approach to Brighton fell on deaf ears. The Seagulls insisted he was going nowhere, and as a result, the club parked a potential pursuit.
Speculation over the 22-year-old joining the Reds has grown throughout the season. That’s despite the player enduring an underwhelming campaign amid the noise over his future.
Whitwell Gives Baleba Update
It has long been confirmed that Baleba is open to joining United and that might occur this summer. Whitwell suggested that a deal for the Cameroon international is a real possibility while speaking on the Stretford Paddock:
‘‘I think that there is an awareness [at Man United] that you’ve got to replace Casemiro immediately, at least one midfielder… I think a quick movement on that should be anticipated and i think there’s been work done to that end.”
He added:
“Carlos Baleba is the one I could see it happening just because of the fact that they got close to him last year and i know he hadn’t had a great season but I feel he is finishing it strong.“
Baleba has made 33 appearances across competitions this season, but hasn’t always been a starter for Brighton. His manager, Fabian Hurzeler, pointed out that links to United could be distracting, especially since he started the campaign poorly.
Man Utd Need a Bigger Name
Signing Baleba is ideal to strengthen a midfield that will lose Casemiro and, most likely, Manuel Ugarte. The Brighton midfielder is still young, and his performances last season were extremely impressive.
That said, Baleba shouldn’t be United’s top midfield signing but one that arrives alongside a high-profile name. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni are also on the club’s radar.
They fit the bill and are excellent options to replace Casemiro. Anderson doesn’t seem likely to arrive at Old Trafford as he leans towards a move to rivals Manchester City.
Tchouameni’s situation is intriguing because he has been involved in ongoing drama behind-the-scenes at Madrid. Recent reports claim that the La Liga giants are open to a sale if the player makes clear he’s open to joining the Red Devils.
