Man United handed Carlos Baleba transfer discount instruction - 'It's become apparent'

Man United handed Carlos Baleba transfer discount instruction - 'It's become apparent'

United could grab one of the Premier League's top young midfielders - but it would cost a pretty sum

Carlos Baleba during a Brighton & Hove Albion game (Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)

Manchester United could enter the race for one of the Premier League's top young midfielders, Brighton's Carlos Baleba, to help to refresh the spine of the squad - and some fans in the Manchester Evening News comments section say this is exactly the sort of move that will help to inject some fresh energy into the middle of the park.

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The attack has been the priority in the summer transfer window, but with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo now at the club, and with United leading the race to sign Benjamin Sesko, attention can turn to other matters. Baleba, 21, is an all-action defensive midfielder with his best years well ahead of him, and could add aggression and energy to the engine room.

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Signing Baleba would be very expensive, over £100m according to TBR Football, and some fans think that a deal should only be done for a considerably smaller fee. Brighton have done a roaring trade in recent years by buying young prospects from around the world and developing them into elite players, and then banking significant sums from top clubs.

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Some fans say that getting another top "Premier League proven" player in is exactly the sort of business that Manchester United should be doing - even if absences down to Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) participation is something to contend with. Reader Fanaticmanufan says: "Bottom line is that we need a player of this calibre. If he goes to the Africa Cup of Nations, then Casemiro and Ugarte will need to cover this position!"

Commenter Icemu writes: "We desperately need someone like Baleba." Un4u agrees: "Please, we need Carlos in the team."

Crazyeighty8 says: "I dont know the Brighton lad but he looks like the type of midfielder we should buy, but never do. Today you need a player in the middle that's strong and athletic, we constantly get out-fought in midfield by mid-table or lower teams."

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The price will be a sticking point for Cantonalives: "Thought SJR wanted to find players before they became really expensive... Happy enough with the summer activity so far, but frustrated how Brighton keep unearthing gems that turn into expensive players, when we do things the other way round."

Cromwellswart responds: "Hopefully, the Leon, Dorgu, Chido, Heaven and Kone signings is proof that the club are trying to unearth the rough diamonds. They're certainly proving promising so far. What we need to remember is that players will sign for clubs like Brighton knowing they can flourish and develop without the 24/7 pressure and bright lights of Old Trafford, and that players like Moises Caicedo may choose the Brightons and the Brentfords for that reason."

Kevmal says: "Baleba is a perfect fit for Utd, but way overpriced. 45m at best."

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DAVES writes: "It's become apparent that Ugarte simply isn't good enough & must be replaced. Baleba ticks every box, but he won't come cheap."

On our Facebook page, James Ikyerga writes: "MU stands in good stead to buy him. They have splashed the cash on average players in the past. The player is damn good."

Daffodial Maisamara isn't so keen: "It will cost too much, and the sad thing is he will miss many games, just use what you've got."

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Have your say! Should United freshen up their midfield with a bid for Carlos Baleba? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.

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