Manchester United have agreed a £70m fee to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, while Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde has given his agent the green light to find him a new club amid links to Old Trafford. The moves come as manager Michael Carrick looks to strengthen his squad following a 2-0 Premier League defeat to newly-promoted Hull City.
Baleba deal agreed
United will pay an initial £65m for the 22-year-old, plus a potential £5m in add-ons, with a medical completed at the weekend. Brighton have also negotiated a sell-on clause for the midfielder.
The Red Devils registered interest in Baleba last summer, but Brighton were demanding more than £100m for his signature. United will now secure the talent for £35m less than first quoted.
Balde gives green light
Alejandro Balde has told his agent, Jorge Mendes, to find him a new club. The Barcelona defender was left out of the squad for their clash with Elche on Sunday, and it is reported that he is 'most excited' by a move to Old Trafford.
Spanish outlet Sport claims Benfica also showed interest in the left-back, but Balde could be seen as an alternative to Lewis Hall. The England international was United's primary target, but Newcastle are refusing to sell, meaning Carrick has turned his attention to other options. Balde is valued at around £43m by Transfermarkt.
Carrick reacts to Hull defeat
Carrick has admitted his "disappointment" in the final result but insists the team will get back to their best soon. He said: "It's just one game, we're disappointed we haven't won. It's not more than that, it's not less than that. We've got to soak it up and come back stronger."
United were beaten 2-0 by Hull thanks to goals from Nobel Mendy and Semi Ajayi. The club will now look to add another midfielder to their ranks this week, with an announcement imminent.
