Manchester United’s long-running midfield reconstruction appears to be nearing completion, with Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba emerging as the club’s leading target.
United have already strengthened the position this summer, signing Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa within 24 hours of each other last month.
However, the search for a third midfielder has continued to dominate the club’s transfer plans, with several names linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni, Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, Roma’s Manu Kone and Fulham’s Sander Berge have all been discussed, while Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams has remained on United’s radar.
Brighton’s Baleba, however, now appears to be the player United have settled on.
United have submitted an opening offer of £60 million plus a further £5 million in add-ons, although the proposal is not expected to be enough to convince Brighton to sell.
Despite that, negotiations are continuing and there is growing expectation that an agreement could eventually be reached.
United’s interest in Baleba is not new. The Red Devils explored a move for the Cameroon international 12 months ago but backed away after learning that Brighton would demand more than £100 million for the midfielder.
A year later, United have returned with a renewed attempt to secure his signature.
Baleba is viewed as a player capable of adding physicality, defensive strength and ball-carrying ability to United’s midfield, potentially giving manager Michael Carrick a more balanced set of options.
The proposed move would also represent a significant investment in a position that has been a major concern for United in recent seasons.
With Santos and Tielemans already arriving and Baleba now the focus of negotiations, United appear determined to finally complete the midfield overhaul.
The remaining question is whether the Red Devils can reach an agreement with Brighton over the midfielder’s valuation before the transfer window closes.
If United can close the deal, the long-awaited midfield reconstruction could finally be nearing its end.
