Manchester United's pursuit of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba has taken a new twist, with the 22-year-old reportedly speaking to Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha about a potential switch to Old Trafford.
Baleba's interest in Manchester United
According to reports, Baleba remains on United's radar after the club held talks over a deal last summer. However, Brighton's demand for a transfer fee exceeding £100 million ended their interest at the time. United have already bolstered their midfield this summer with a £35 million deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta, but they are still in the market for another midfielder.
The Sun reports that Baleba spoke with Fernandes and Cunha after Brighton's 3-0 defeat at home on the final day of the Premier League season last month. The midfielder 'made a beeline' for Cunha after the full-time whistle, and the pair conversed by the tunnel.
Impact on Baleba's performances
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler admitted last season that United's failed move to sign Baleba had an impact on the midfielder's performances. 'For sure, when a young boy reads there is interest from Manchester United with a big, big offer, it might affect him deep, deep [down],' Hurzeler said. 'That's also part of the development to understand that when you play well, there comes a big offer, there comes a big club who wants to have him.'
Hurzeler added: 'But then to keep pushing, to be humble, stay here in Brighton, and try to make the next step with the team and that's something we have to keep on working with him and therefore I can't give you a clear answer if it's really affected him or not. But for sure, he's a young boy and we need to understand he's not a machine that if you click on then he always runs and off then he stops. We need to understand his feelings, his emotions, where he comes from, and that's our responsibility.'
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is looking to strengthen his midfield options, and Baleba is seen as a long-term target. The club's interest in the Cameroon international remains strong, and the player's recent conversations with Fernandes and Cunha suggest a move could be on the cards.
