Man Utd transfer target Carlos Baleba has ‘private talks’ in new development

Carlos Baleba was the subject of interest from Manchester United this summer, but Brighton’s £100m price tag of the young talent prevented a deal from coming to fruition

Carlos Baleba has reportedly been in private talks with Fabian Hurzeler, amid ongoing rumours linking him to Manchester United. The 21 year old was the talk of the town this summer, with the Red Devils showing interest in securing his services.

Despite being a defensive-minded midfielder, Baleba managed to score three Premier League goals in 34 appearances last season, impressing many at the AMEX Stadium. Ruben Amorim and the United board were in-turn keen on bringing him onboard for the 2025/26.

However, Brighton’s hefty £100million price tag proved too steep for the Red Devils, as Baleba stayed put on the south east coast. Recent reports suggest that Baleba is unsettled at Brighton, with his half-time substitutions on three separate occasions this season adding fuel to the speculation.

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According to The Sun, United are keeping a close eye on Baleba’s situation, despite the young player reaffirming his commitment to Hurzeler and Brighton.

It won’t necessarily deter the Reds from re-entering negotiations with Brighton come January, especially given the ongoing issues in Amorim’s midfield, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Pundits and supporters alike have been left scratching their heads as to why the United board didn’t bolster their midfield during the summer transfer window, instead choosing to splash out over £200m on a new attacking trio of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.

Some have also questioned whether Amorim’s favoured 3-4-2-1 formation is the right fit for the Premier League, particularly given Bruno Fernandes’ natural inclination towards an attacking role, and the fact that 33-year-old Casemiro can’t cover as much ground as he used to.

With a promising career ahead of him, Baleba could be the answer to Amorim’s midfield woes. But with the January transfer window still some way off, the Portuguese manager may need to find solutions within his current squad.

Meanwhile, United are reportedly eyeing up a move for VfB Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller when the transfer window reopens. The 24-year-old has been turning heads in the Bundesliga this season, netting one goal and providing two assists in seven appearances.

And according to Sky Sports Germany, Stuttgart are set to demand a minimum of £43m for the German international, making him a potentially more affordable alternative to Baleba.

It comes as Manchester United will be able to keep tabs on Baleba up close this weekend, when they play host to Brighton in the Premier League.

Spirits will be high within Amorim’s dressing room at present, as they return to Old Trafford on a two-match winning streak thanks to a 2-0 win over Sunderland AFC ahead of the international break and a 2-1 result over fierce rivals Liverpool at Anfield upon their return to top flight action on Sunday.

As a result of their recent run of form, United sit ninth in the Premier League standings, a point ahead of their upcoming opponents. Brighton, meanwhile, head into the clash unbeaten in their last four outings, with draws against Spurs and Wolves to their name, as well as wins over Chelsea and Newcastle United.

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