Carlos Baleba stance revealed after Man Utd abandon £120m transfer chase

Carlos Baleba is prepared to keep pushing for a move to Manchester United after they chose not to pursue a deal this summer. Baleba, 21, emerged as the Red Devils' top target amid their search for a defensive midfielder.

Talks began with Brighton earlier this month via intermediaries who were working on United's behalf. The two clubs then engaged in direct contact, as Brighton made it clear that they don't intend to sell the Cameroonian.

Baleba's side informed United that it'd take a bid of around £120m - more than what Brighton sold Moises Caicedo to Chelsea for in 2023 - for them to consider his sale. As reported by the Athletic, that's beyond what Red Devils would be willing to pay this summer.

The development reflects Fabian Hurzeler's comments on Friday, as the Brighton manager declared that he was 'very, very, very confident' about Baleba staying. When asked why, Hurzeler replied: "Just my belief."

United have already welcomed three signings for a combined £207.5m - Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. All three of them are forwards and Ruben Amorim's priority is now in midfield, specifically the No.6 role.

The Red Devils could choose to be patient and return to the negotiating table next year or sign an alternative now. Personal terms wouldn't have been a problem with Baleba, as he's willing to push for the move even if it means waiting.

However, there's no suggestion that the ex-Lille starlet is unhappy at Brighton. At Old Trafford, there's an acceptance that Baleba is still developing after two seasons in the Premier League.

The 21-year-old will hope to boost his stock over the course of the new season and Hurzeler is excited to keep working with him. "I didn't see any change [in Baleba]," the Seagulls boss added ahead of Saturday's season opener against Fulham.

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"He only changed his hair, so I think that was the only change he made the last two weeks. But overall, he seems to be in a really good place. He's enjoying it with his team-mates, he's enjoying being a Brighton player.

"He's very grateful to have the process he had in the last season, so I didn't see any big change. And he's an option to start for tomorrow."

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