Carlos Baleba to Man United transfer latest as Brighton deploy clever Moises Caicedo tactic

Carlos Baleba to Man United transfer latest as Brighton deploy clever Moises Caicedo tactic

All the latest Manchester United transfer news as Ruben Amorim gears up for the new Premier League season.

Carlos Baleba has been tipped to move to Old Trafford this summer. (Image: Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

Manchester United appear to have reached a stalemate in the race to sign Carlos Baleba. The Brighton midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, but the Seagulls seem determined to hold on to their prized asset.

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Baleba - whose contract at the AMEX Stadium expires in June 2028 - featured 34 times in the Premier League last season. Playing a key role in Fabian Hurzeler's side, he helped Brighton enjoy impressive wins over Manchester City, Chelsea and eventual champions Liverpool.

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The Cameroon international's performances haven't gone under the radar, reportedly attracting interest from across Europe. So, with that being said, The Manchester Evening News has rounded up everything you need to know about Baleba and his future;

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Brighton deploy 'Caicedo tactic'

According to Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel, Brighton have deployed the same negotiation tactic they used to offload Moises Caicedo, to Chelsea, on United. The journalist said: "For Carlos Baleba, the contacts are still ongoing.

"This is a difficult deal for Manchester United, not just financially but also in terms of strategy.

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"What is important to mention is Manchester United are still there, still in contact with the agents, still working on a deal. They want to understand how high is the wall from Brighton but they are still working on the Carlos Baleba."

Carlos Baleba in action for Brighton. (Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Romano added: "They are not giving up. Difficult? Yes. Very difficult? Of course. But, United are still there.

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"The player is not closing the doors at all. Personal terms are not a problem, European football for Baleba is not a problem. He'd go to United immediately and I can guarantee that. But club to club, we are still far from a solution..."

Man Utd have Baleba back-up plan

According to The Independent, United have identified Adam Wharton as an alternative to Baleba. The report claims that the club may try to sign the Crystal Palace midfielder if they're unable to sign the Brighton ace.

It's said that United are long admirers of the duo. The Independent argues that Wharton could cost even more this summer, however, with Steve Parish unwilling to do business - given that the Eagles could yet lose Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze.

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Hurzeler on Brighton stance

Hurzeler has insisted that he's not worried about losing key players to other clubs. Speaking on the Monday Night Club podcast earlier this week, the Brighton manager said: "No chance. I don't feel fear.

"I'm not afraid of anything, because the only thing we can do is be the best version we can be every day, like work as hard as we can. All the other things we can't influence, so we really have to focus on us.

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"For sure, we can't spend the money like the big teams - but one of our biggest values is togetherness. And if you stay together, if we try to push our limits and increase the boundaries, then I'm sure we can compete with the big teams."

Carlos Baleba in action for Brighton. (Image: Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

Brighton owner wants Baleba to stay

Speaking to supporters at a pre-season fan forum, Paul Barber commented on Baleba's future. As quoted by the BBC last week, the Brighton chief executive said: "There's always going to be interest in our players.

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"Manchester United have not been in touch with me. Speculation is speculation. Carlos is a fantastic talent.

"And we hope that he'll be here for years to come, but that's subject to the dynamics of the football world, which isn't always predictable."

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