Man Utd tipped to bid £50m for Premier League star after ‘agreeing personal terms’

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Manchester United are weighing up a £50million offer for Carlos Baleba. The Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder has been touted for a switch to Old Trafford for the best part of a year.

Ruben Amorim was thought to be firmly interested in the Cameroonian midfielder , but following the club's outlay of more than £200million on Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, they opted to put their pursuit on hold. However, with Casemiro departing at the end of the season and Manuel Ugarte failing to fully convince, United appear ready to reignite their interest in Baleba.

It's understood the Reds 'broadly agreed personal terms' with the 22-year-old during their initial pursuit. With this in mind, they could test Brighton's resolve with a £50m offer.

The Athletic understands that's the figure United may open their approach with. It hasn't been the smoothest of campaigns for Baleba. He has been hauled off on 15 occasions this season by Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, lasting the full 90 minutes on just three occasions throughout the campaign, including their recent 3-0 home triumph over Chelsea on Tuesday.

United also closely monitored his performances at this year's Africa Cup of Nations, where he featured five times. He proved a key figure for Cameroon, who advanced to the quarter-finals before suffering a 2-0 defeat to hosts Morocco. One potential stumbling block for United is the asking price.

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When the Reds first registered their interest, Brighton made it abundantly clear they would be seeking £100m - comparable to the fee Chelsea splashed out for Moises Caicedo back in the summer of 2023.

Over the summer, it was understood United were prepared to go up to £75m to lure him to Old Trafford. Now it's thought the club will be reluctant to exceed £50m, a figure that is unlikely to be welcomed warmly by the Seagulls.

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The Reds have also been linked with Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson and Newcastle United pair Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes. However, none of the Premier League quartet would come at a bargain price.

United are also thought to be targeting two central midfield signings to plug the gap left by Casemiro's exit. A third recruit may also be necessary should Ugarte leave the club, with the Uruguayan recently attracting interest from Juventus and Ajax.

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These transfer negotiations could also hinge on who is occupying the dugout at Old Trafford come the end of the season. Michael Carrick has hauled the Reds from 7th to third since taking charge, with United ranking amongst the standout performers of 2026.

Nevertheless, the club remain undecided on whether he is the right long-term appointment and are set to make their call at the conclusion of the campaign.

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