Man Utd ‘propose’ stunning swap deal to sign Carlos Baleba as Brighton name their price for star midfielder

Manchester United could propose a player-plus-cash deal to sign Carlos Baleba as Brighton have slapped a whopping price tag on their star player.

Man United have splashed the cash this summer to sign Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.

Cunha cost £62.5 million after they triggered the release clause in his deal, while Mbeumo commanded a fee worth up to £71 million.

And Sesko, who is the club’s latest signing, moved to Old Trafford from RB Leipzig for £73.7 million.

Ruben Amorim is keen on further signings ahead of the new season and is seemingly eyeing a new midfielder.

Amorim likes Brighton’s Baleba, who has shone in the Premier League following his switch from Lille in the summer of 2023.

Man United are ‘actively trying to do a deal’ for Baleba this summer as Amorim pushes for a ‘midfielder to accelerate his rebuild’.

According to the Independent, Brighton want around £120 million for Baleba, who excited Man United fans with his social media activity during their friendly against Fiorentina last weekend.

But Man United’s hierarchy are reluctant to meet Brighton’s asking price and are currently figuring out how to construct a payment package.

Per the report, one consideration is to offer an initial £80 million with the rest made up of add-ons.

Man United would also be open to sending a player like Jadon Sancho in any deal for the 21-year-old, though it is seen as unlikely that Brighton would accept such offer.

Sancho is deemed surplus to requirements at Man United and continues to be linked with a move away, having spent last season on loan at Chelsea.

Amorim is hellbent on recruiting a midfielder that fits the team together and Baleba has been identified as the best profile.

What other midfield options are Man United looking at?

Man United are working behind the scenes to sign Baleba during this window and they will continue their pursuit next year if they cannot get him this summer.

The Cameroonian isn’t the only midfielder Amorim and Man United like as Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is viewed as the club’s preferred alternative.

Man United have also looked at Sporting CP’s Morten Hjumland and Atalanta’s Ederson.