Manchester United have set their sights on Brighton & Hove Albion's promising young midfielder Carlos Baleba, as the club looks to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season. The 20-year-old Cameroonian has impressed since joining the Seagulls last summer, catching the eye of several top clubs.
Former United captain Gary Neville has publicly endorsed the potential signing, describing Baleba as "the type of player United should be chasing" during his recent podcast. The Sky Sports pundit believes the youngster could be the "next big thing" in Premier League midfielders.
Brighton's Rising Star
Baleba joined Brighton from Lille in a deal worth around £23 million last August and has quickly adapted to English football. His powerful runs, technical ability and defensive awareness have made him a standout performer in Roberto De Zerbi's side.
The Seagulls are known for their shrewd transfer business and would likely demand a significant fee for their emerging talent. United's interest comes as they look to rebuild their midfield following a disappointing season.
Neville's Verdict
Gary Neville didn't hold back in his assessment of United's transfer strategy: "They need to stop chasing big names and start identifying players like Baleba - young, hungry and with massive potential."
The former England defender added: "Brighton have shown they know how to spot talent, and United should be learning from that model rather than always going for the finished product."
Summer Rebuild
With new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe overseeing football operations, United are expected to be active in the transfer market. The club has reportedly drawn up a shortlist of midfield targets, with Baleba now emerging as a serious option.
Whether United can persuade Brighton to sell remains to be seen, but the Red Devils' interest suggests they're finally adopting a more strategic approach to recruitment after years of expensive misfires.
