Manchester United are close to reaching a full agreement with Brighton for Carlos Baleba, with the midfielder preparing to travel to Manchester ahead of a potential medical.
Sky Sports reports that negotiations have advanced significantly since United made their move for the 22-year-old earlier on Wednesday.
A final fee and payment structure still need to be completely agreed, but the deal is expected to be worth more than £60million.
United already have a five-year contract prepared for Baleba to sign once an agreement with Brighton is formally completed.
The Cameroon international is also understood to be preparing to travel to Manchester, where medical plans can be put into place quickly if the remaining details are resolved.
Carlos Baleba move takes another huge Man Utd step
The latest development represents significant progression from where the deal stood earlier on Wednesday.
At that point, Brighton’s valuation remained above United’s proposal and the parties were working towards finding a solution.
Now the conversation has moved towards completing the transfer.
Sky Sports stresses that the final fee and structure are not yet fully agreed, meaning Baleba should not be considered a Manchester United player yet.
However, having a five-year contract ready and the midfielder preparing for a potential trip to Manchester indicates how far negotiations have advanced.
Baleba could become another major addition to a midfield already strengthened by Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos this summer.
His arrival would not necessarily end United’s business elsewhere either.
ReadManUtd reported earlier on Wednesday that discussions have been held with Jorge Salinas’ representatives, with Michael Carrick’s side continuing to assess left-back options independently of the Baleba deal.
For Baleba, though, the next stage is now clear.
United and Brighton still need to settle the final details, but the possibility of a medical is moving closer as the clubs work towards a full agreement.
Comments.
Loading comments…