Carlos Baleba could cost much less than previously reported, with Brighton rumoured to accept a lower fee for the Manchester United target.
According to Team Talk, Manchester United could have received a big boost in their pursuit of Carlos Baleba, amid claims that the midfielder could be available for a lower price. Brighton could soften their previous asking price for the Cameroonian midfielder, and such a development would suit the Red Devils in their pursuit.
Manchester United are prioritising several key areas of their squad in the transfer market, and midfield remains paramount to their plans. Casemiro is leaving in the summer, while there are considerable doubts over the futures of skipper Bruno Fernandes and utility man Manuel Ugarte.
With Kobbie Mainoo now looking likely to stay put, Manchester United may still need multiple additions in the position. Midfield is a key area for the team, as bringing in quality players there would allow the club to challenge on multiple fronts moving forward.
Carlos Baleba is part of a four-man shortlist of Manchester United midfield targets, as the Cameroonian midfielder was a big target back in the summer. Brighton did not respond to their enquiries then, but various sources have claimed the Seagulls will demand at least £100 million, while constantly pointing towards the £115 million that Chelsea paid for Moisés Caicedo as a benchmark for selling Baleba.
However, the report claims that the Seagulls are ready to soften their stance on the 22-year-old Premier League midfielder. The story states that Baleba could be available for an all-inclusive fee of £70 million, which is a considerable reduction on their previous demand of £100 million. At such a rate, Manchester United will be interested in signing the midfielder, and this could be a big boost in the pursuit.
Will Brighton sell Baleba for a lower fee?
It remains to be seen how true the claims of a reduced fee are, especially given the level of interest in Baleba. Manchester United are clearly targeting the 22-year-old Premier League midfielder, but PSG and Chelsea are also in the race.
Should those clubs make approaches for the Cameroonian, Brighton would not need to sell him for a reduced price. Manchester United are widely seen as the frontrunners and remain hopeful about signing Baleba, but they may still have to pay a higher fee, which is often the case with most of their key midfield targets.