Manchester United could face fresh competition from Newcastle United for Carlos Baleba, with Brighton reportedly open to offers for the midfielder this summer.
Baleba has been on United’s radar for some time as Michael Carrick looks to add another central midfielder before the transfer window closes.
Newcastle have now joined the race following major changes to their own midfield, potentially complicating United’s plans.
Man Utd face Newcastle competition for Carlos Baleba
According to reporting attributed to MailSport journalist Craig Hope, some Newcastle officials are pushing for the club to explore a move for Baleba.
UtdReport says Brighton are now open to offers for the 22-year-old, while Newcastle’s new manager Matthias Jaissle shares an agency with the Cameroon international.
Separate reporting suggests Brighton could consider a deal worth around £60m to £65m.
That would represent a major reduction from the huge valuations attached to Baleba during previous transfer windows.
United explored his availability previously and remain in the market for another midfielder despite already adding Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans this summer.
ReadManUtd reported on Thursday that Carrick still wants another central midfielder before the window closes.
Baleba’s current fitness situation does complicate matters.
The Brighton midfielder has suffered an ankle injury which could keep him out of the opening weeks of the new campaign, and neither United nor Newcastle are currently reported to have launched a formal move.
The opportunity may nevertheless become difficult to ignore if Brighton really are prepared to negotiate around the £65m mark.
United have looked at several midfield options this summer, including Lamine Camara, while Carrick has made it clear he still wants further reinforcements.
Newcastle entering the picture could now force United to decide whether Baleba remains high enough on their shortlist to justify moving quickly.
Comments.
Loading comments…