Brighton release Carlos Baleba statement as Man Utd 'start transfer talks'

Brighton and Hove Albion chief executive and deputy chair Paul Barber has denied suggestions that Manchester United have contacted the club for Carlos Baleba. However, Barber has left the door ajar for potential movement before the summer transfer deadline amid intensifying links with an Old Trafford switch.

On Wednesday evening, multiple reports broke that United were in talks with Brighton over a potential deal for Baleba. However, there is said to be recognition across all parties that any transfer this summer would be highly complicated due to the Seagulls' unwillingness to sell and their subsequent asking price.

It's claimed that United made an approach via intermediaries to explore the conditions of a deal to add Baleba to Ruben Amorim's midfield.

But Barber has denied those claims, stressing Brighton's desire to keep hold of the 21-year-old midfielder for as long as possible.

"There is always going to be interest in our players. Manchester United have not been in touch with me," Barber explained at a fans' event.

"Speculation is speculation. Carlos is a fantastic talent; we hope he will be here for years to come, but it is subject to the dynamics of the football world, which is not always predictable."

For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express MUFC newsletter, or join our WhatsApp community here.

Baleba has flourished into one of the Premier League's most highly-rated young midfielders since joining from Lille in a £26m deal in 2023.

Amorim desperately needs an athletic midfielder to play alongside Bruno Fernandes or Kobbie Mainoo in his 3-4-3 system at Old Trafford.

Baleba would fit the bill perfectly, also ticking the box of Premier League experience like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

However, United likely require significant player sales to fund any concrete pursuit, given Benjamin Sesko's arrival would push the club's summer spending above £200m.

For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express transfer newsletter.

Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia remain exiled at Carrington and are expected to depart permanently.

United are also set to seek buyers for Rasmus Hojlund once Sesko completes his switch, reportedly valuing the 22-year-old at £30m.

Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Toby Collyer currently represent Amorim's options to partner with Fernandes and Mainoo.

But Casemiro turns 34 this season, Collyer is set to depart on loan, and the jury is still strongly out on Ugarte.