Cameroon star has said yes to Man Utd transfer but Red Devils face hurdle

Manchester United have contacted Brighton & Hove Albion through intermediaries to explore a deal for midfielder Carlos Baleba and have received encouragement in their pursuit of the Cameroonian.

Club insider SullyTalkz reports that he is open to joining the club, with personal terms not expected to be a problem.

Man United want to bolster their midfield before the start of the new season. They have identified Baleba as a potential target due to his distinct attributes.

The 21-year-old registered more tackles and interceptions than any other United midfielder in the Premier League last term.

Only Casemiro (60.8 percent) won more duels (60 percent), while only Bruno Fernandes (213) made more recoveries than him (197).

However, he needs to be more disciplined, having received eight yellow cards, three fewer than Ugarte, who received the most yellow cards among United midfielders.

Baleba’s ability to progress and carry the ball could be why United are keen to sign him.

Only Fernandes (10,698 metres) recorded a greater progressive passing distance than Baleba, who managed 4,741m — highlighting his ability to move the ball upfield.

The Portuguese was also the only player to register more progressive passes (325) and carries (1542) than him (118/971).

As much as United want to sign the talented midfielder this summer, reaching an agreement with Brighton would be tricky, given their track record of driving hard bargains.

The Seagulls have set a £104 million asking price for Baleba, potentially making him the club’s second most-expensive departure.

Man United have been linked to several other midfielders, who could be the alternative to the former Lille youth prospect.

Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra and Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha have been linked.

Wilfred Ndidi has also been mentioned as a cheaper alternative, but a move for the Nigerian is unlikely. He is on the verge of joining Turkish side Besiktas.

United are expected to continue their push to sign Baleba but could turn to other targets to bolster their midfield before the end of the transfer window.

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Article written by Henry Thornton .