Man United have perfect Carlos Baleba transfer secret weapon as 'contact made'

Man United have perfect Carlos Baleba transfer secret weapon as 'contact made'

Manchester United could be in line to strengthen in midfield after the potential signing of Benjamin Sesko with Brighton's Carlos Baleba reportedly of interest

Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba is being linked with a summer move to Manchester United (Image: Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

Manchester United could yet fill one more important position once a deal to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko is agreed.

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The Reds look set to address a major weakness from last season with Sesko potentially in line to join fellow attacking players Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo at Old Trafford. The trio should help Ruben Amorim's side improve on last season's abysmal tally of 44 Premier League goals.

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And yet even with the arrival of Sesko - Amorim will still have one glaring problem in his squad. United have found themselves overrun in midfield for several seasons under two different managers. It's an issue they have yet to address this summer despite spending over £100million on transfers.

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However, it was reported on Wednesday evening that United have made contact with Brighton & Hove Albion over the potential signing of midfielder Carlos Baleba. Brighton chief Paul Barber has denied this - claiming that the transfer links are "speculation".

It is claimed by The Athletic that the Seagulls do not intend to sanction a sale this summer, but that interest is building at Old Trafford, and it's easy to see why.

Baleba fits the profile of player Ineos have been looking for. The 21-year-old has the Premier League experience which United's hierarchy are so keen to target and he is yet to reach his full potential.

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And the Reds could have a secret weapon if they need to convince the Cameroon international that M16 is a perfect destination for him. Baleba played with Leny Yoro at Lille and the pair appear to be good friends judging by their social media activity.

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Yoro has liked several of Baleba's posts on Instagram over the years and it would be no surprise if the pair remain in regular contact. United may be hoping that their centre-back is having a quiet word with the midfielder over a possible switch to Amorim's side.

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Ultimately, it appears that any move for the young star is unlikely to take place before the summer window closes on September 1. The Reds, like all Premier League clubs, have to be mindful of English football's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Having already spent heavily and with no major exits apart from Marcus Rashford's loan move to Barcelona - sales will be United's focus once a deal for Sesko is agreed.

But it's clear where the Reds will turn to once they are in a position to strengthen their squad again. Midfield has been neglected for too long at Old Trafford and that may yet be what holds them back going into the 2025/26 campaign.

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