Swap deal chance, price tag, Brighton response

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Manchester United have identified Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba as a potential target this summer.

The Athletic reported this week that initial contact has already been made with the south coast club, though any potential arrival would, likely, depend on player departures - following United's summer spending spree. Marcus Rashford has already left the club to join Barcelona on loan, while talks over Alejandro Garnacho's move to Chelsea are still ongoing - although the Argentina international has reportedly already agreed on personal terms.

Meanwhile, Baleba, who has three years remaining on his Brighton contract, is quickly emerging as one of the most highly-rated players in his position and has attracted the attention of the United hierarchy.

Here, The Manchester Evening News brings you a round up of the latest news surrounding Baleba;

Brighton's stance

According to ESPN, Brighton will demand €120million (£104m) for Baleba this summer. United are also mooted to face competition from Manchester City for his signature.

Elsewhere, talkSPORT has suggested that the Seagulls would be willing to cash in on the midfielder, but not until next summer.

Brighton's hierarchy reportedly believe Baleba has the potential to be as valuable as Moises Caicedo, whom they sold to Chelsea. Caicedo completed the transfer to Stamford Bridge, for a British record fee of £115million, in 2023.

Swap deal 'ruled out'

Toby Collyer will not be included as a makeweight in any potential deal for Baleba. While reports have stated he could be used as a sweetener to facilitate a proposed transfer - given his background within Brighton's academy before departing in 2022 - United have no plans to involve him in the negotiations.

The Manchester Evening Newspreviously reported the opportunity to sign Collyer came about unexpectedly. He was considered one of the most talented midfielders in his age group, and a source at United admitted they were surprised to land him - but thrilled nonetheless.

Born in Worthing, just 10 miles from Brighton, Collyer appeared destined to break into the first-team at the Amex Stadium before being released by the club. His future remains uncertain this summer.

The midfielder has attracted loan interest, and there is also said to be interest from clubs looking to sign him on a permanent basis.

Barber's response

Brighton's chief executive, Paul Barber, has played down speculation that United have been in contact over the possibility of signing Baleba.

"We've got some great talent, there's always going to be interest in our players," Barber said. Manchester United have not been in touch with me. From that point of view, speculation is speculation.

"We will always try to make sure we sell our best players at the right time, not just for the player but for us. If we end up doing that with any player, it's with the view to leave Fabian with a competitive squad, whatever happens. We don't want to sell our best players.

"Carlos is a fantastic talent who has a lot of years ahead of him.

"We hope he will be here for many years to come. But it's something that, as always, is subjective to the dynamics of the football world which isn't always predictable."

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