Manchester United are close to agreeing a deal with Brighton for midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to a report in The Athletic. Uniteds initial offer of around �60million is unlikely to be accepted but the two clubs are in negotiations to find a deal that suits all parties.The Seagulls are unlikely to stand in the way of the Cameroon international after a disappointing 2025/26 campaign in which he made 35 appearances but failed to hit the heights of his first two seasons at the Amex.Baleba is currently sidelined with an ankle ligament injury but it is not thought to be a long-term problem.If he does secure a move to Old Trafford, it will end a lengthy pursuit which started last summer when United were managed by Ruben Amorim.The 22-year-old would add physicality and athleticism to a United midfield already bolstered in recent weeks by the arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.And with Kobbie Mainoo and the currently injured Manuel Ugarte also in the squad, that would enable new boss Michael Carrick to focus his attention elsewhere.Baleba would join countryman Mbeumo at UnitedAlthough he struggled to shine in the Premier League last season, Baleba did produce a string of impressive displays for Cameroon at the 2025 African Cup of Nations.And his link-up with United forward Bryan Mbeumo is sure to have caught the eye of the Old Trafford scouts.His recent Brighton form is a concern, however.He was hauled off at half-time on four occasions in the Premier League last season and completed 90 minutes just three times.Recurring injury problems were to blame but there were also suggestions he lost his motivation to play for Brighton due to Uniteds interest last summer. Topics Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. Manchester United F.C. Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Premier League predictions: Title winners? Top four? Biggest surprise and biggest flop? Jon Fisher 19th August, 2026 Brighton sign Canada striker David on loan Tom Rostance 18th August, 2026 Rooney identifies no-brainer signing for Man United after worrying pre-season performance Nicholas McGee 18th August, 2026 Fantasy Premier League 2026/27: Five budget options to separate your team from the crowd Blake Hurst 18th August, 2026 Fantasy Premier League 2026/27: Five Common Mistakes to Avoid Blake Hurst 18th August, 2026 Fantasy Premier League 2026/27: Five key tips to help you succeed Blake Hurst 18th August, 2026
