Brighton and Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler is “very, very confident” that Manchester United target Carlos Baleba will remain at the club this summer. The Red Devils are eyeing an audacious swoop for Baleba, but there is an acceptance among all parties that a deal is incredibly difficult to do.
Ruben Amorim wants an athletic midfielder after focusing his summer spending so far towards attacking upgrades, signing Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. United have identified Baleba as their top target, but would likely need to part ways with in excess of £100million to complete a transfer.
Ahead of Brighton and Hove Albion’s Premier League opener against Fulham on Saturday, Hurzeler unsurprisingly faced questions about the 21-year-old’s future.
And the Seagulls boss strongly suggested that he expected Baleba to be a part of his squad throughout the campaign ahead.
He said: “I am very, very confident Baleba will stay with us. I didn’t see any change; he only changed his hair! He is enjoying being a Brighton player.”
Baleba has not featured for Brighton during their pre-season schedule, missing friendlies against Stoke City, Las Palmas, Southampton and Wolfsburg.
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The Cameroon international has been struggling with a knock, but Hurzeler also claimed that he could start against Fulham at the Amex Stadium.
United have a serious issue in midfield, with both Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro failing to convince as Bruno Fernandes’ partner in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.
The Old Trafford giants desperately require more energy to meet the Portuguese head coach’s demands, but it remains to be seen whether they will pursue an alternative to Baleba.
Toby Collyer is set to join West Bromwich Albion on loan, which could open the door for a new midfield arrival before the deadline.
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According to the Manchester Evening News, United are prepared to delay their move for Baleba until next summer.
Old Trafford chiefs have not yet given up on signing the midfield star this summer, but they are said to accept that a deal is unlikely.
Baleba is believed to be keen on a move to United, but Brighton are under no pressure to sell and are demanding at least £100m to part ways.
Whether he is still available this time next year is far from guaranteed, especially if the Red Devils endure another miserable campaign.
