Carlos Baleba to Man United transfer truth emerges as Brighton chief shares instant update

Carlos Baleba to Man United transfer truth emerges as Brighton chief shares instant update

Manchester United transfer news as Carlos Baleba's future is put to Brighton chief Paul Barber after links to Old Trafford

Carlos Baleba is wanted by Manchester United this summer (Image: Getty Images)

Brighton & Hove Albion chief executive Paul Barber has played down speculation that Manchester United have been in contact over the possibility of signing Carlos Baleba.

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Reports on Wednesday night have claimed that United have contacted the Seagulls, via intermediaries, to explore the conditions for a move for the midfielder.

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Baleba has three years left on his current deal at the AMEX Stadium and is one of the most sought-out youngsters in his position after moving to Lille. It's understood that Brighton want to keep the Cameroon international for at least another year while United need to sell players to afford further additions.

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On Wednesday evening, Brighton held their annual pre-season Fans' Forum with head coach Fabian Hurzeler and Barber taking questions ahead of the new Premier League season. Asked if this summer would be the right time to sell the 21-year-old, Barber revealed an insight into the current situation regarding Baleba and United.

After Hurzeler jokingly seemed to avoid the question for Barber to answer, the Seagulls chief, via BBC Sussex, said: "We've got some great talent, there's always going to be interest in our players.

"Manchester United have not been in touch with me. So from that point of view, speculation is speculation. We will always try to make sure we sell our best players at the right time, not just for the player but for us.

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"If we end up doing that with any player, it's with the view to leave Fabian with a very competitive squad, whatever happens. We don't want to sell our best players.

"Carlos is a fantastic talent who has a lot of years ahead of him. We hope he will be here for many years to come. But it's something that, as always, is subjective to the dynamics of the football world which isn't always predictable."

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