Manchester United are closing in on Carlos Baleba. The Brighton midfielder is now expected to travel to Manchester for a medical ahead of a possible move to Old Trafford.
The deal is understood to be worth more than £60 million, with a five-year contract ready for the Cameroon international. If Manchester United are able to strike a deal with Brighton, Baleba will become United’s third midfield signing of the summer after Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
Michael Carrick ahead of the Hull game once again made it clear that Manchester United are still looking to improve their squad.
Michael Carrick confirms United are still working
Michael Carrick was asked about the United’s plans as the new season is set to start tomorriw. Particular interest on Carlos Baleba and the left-back position was discussed.
Rather than naming targets, Michael Carrick kept his answer fairly simple.
“I just think we’re looking to strengthen the squad. We’re certainly working towards that and making most of the situation that we have and trying to improve things and trying to move forward.”
Michael Carrick also made it clear that Manchester United want to make the most of whatever opportunities are still available.
“So, yeah, certainly trying to make the most of the opportunities to finish the window stronger than we went into it and I think we were in a good way to doing that so far.”
The left-back position remains an issue with Luke Shaw currently the only recognised senior option. However, Baleba has clearly become a major part of United’s plans in midfield.
Brighton refuse to give much away on Carlos Baleba
Brighton chief executive Paul Barber was also asked about the midfielder and whether a transfer to United was close.
He wasn’t prepared to give much away.
“It’s not something that I can talk about right now. This time of year, we’re always going to be subject to bids for our players.”
Barber did, however, make it clear that there has been plenty of interest in Baleba.
“Nothing really to say on Carlos at the moment, other than that he’s a hugely talented young midfielder, who’s done really well for us and has attracted interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world now for a couple of years. So, let’s see where we go.”
That interest now appears to have turned into a serious transfer, with Sky Sports reporting that Baleba is preparing to travel to Manchester.
There is one slight concern for United. Baleba is currently recovering from an ankle ligament injury suffered during pre-season. The problem isn’t expected to keep him out for a long period, though.
For United, the Cameroon international could become the defensive presence that has been missing from Carrick’s midfield.
Tielemans and Santos have already arrived, but Baleba offers a different profile. His arrival would give Carrick another option in the middle.
The deal isn’t officially completed yet, but Baleba travelling to Manchester for a medical would represent a major step forward.
