Manchester United target Carlos Baleba has heaped praise on Cameroon international team-mate Bryan Mbeumo, lauding the Brentford winger's leadership qualities as the pair prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 21-year-old Brighton midfielder has been linked with a move to Old Trafford but was priced out of a summer transfer after the Seagulls slapped a £100m-plus valuation on him.
United are prioritising a central midfielder this summer, with Bruno Fernandes ruled out until next month due to injury. Other targets include Ruben Neves, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson, but Baleba remains on the shortlist.
Speaking about Mbeumo, Baleba said: "I've become a big leader but there are a lot of leaders in the group. There are a lot of leaders like Bryan Mbeumo." He added that he hopes to win AFCON and the World Cup with Cameroon.
Brighton sporting director Jason Ayto backed Baleba to return to his best after a slow start to the season, stating: "He's getting stronger and stronger as the season goes on."
Cameroon begin their AFCON campaign against Gabon in Morocco, followed by matches against Ivory Coast and Mozambique.
