Manchester United are actively pursuing Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba in a potential deal this summer. Manager Ruben Amorim is pushing hard for the midfielder to accelerate his rebuild at Old Trafford.
Brighton are demanding around £120 million for the 21-year-old defensive midfielder. Owner Tony Bloom typically remains unmoving on such valuations, creating a significant challenge for United's negotiators.
United's hierarchy are currently figuring out how to construct a payment package for the deal. One consideration involves offering an initial £80 million with the remainder made up through add-ons. The club would consider including players such as Jadon Sancho as part of the package, though Brighton are unlikely to accept such an arrangement.
Amorim's midfield priority
Amorim is insistent on securing a midfielder to fit his tactical system together. Baleba has been identified as best fitting the profile United want, offering exactly what they need right now while also possessing huge potential for the future.
United's available budget under PSR regulations has been aided by the payment structure of their recent major signings. The construction of deals for Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbuemo and Benjamin Sesko has helped with how much was paid in first instalments.
If United cannot secure Baleba this summer, they will almost certainly return with another bid next year. The same approach could apply to their preferred alternative target.
Alternative targets assessed
Adam Wharton represents United's preferred alternative if they cannot land Baleba. The Crystal Palace defensive midfielder could cost even more than Baleba this summer, with chairman Steve Parish unwilling to do business given potential departures of Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze.
United hold long-term interest in potentially pairing Baleba and Wharton together in future transfer windows. The club have also evaluated Sporting's Morten Hjumland, though questions remain over whether he has the physicality for the required position.
Atalanta's Ederson is also admired by United, albeit for a slightly different midfield role. Baleba himself is highly keen on making the move to Manchester United.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
