Manchester United are close to agreeing a deal with Brighton for midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to a report in The Athletic.

United’s initial offer of around £60million is unlikely to be accepted but the two clubs are in negotiations to find a deal that suits all parties.

The Seagulls are unlikely to stand in the way of the Cameroon international after a disappointing 2025/26 campaign in which he made 35 appearances but failed to hit the heights of his first two seasons at the Amex.

Baleba is currently sidelined with an ankle ligament injury but it is not thought to be a long-term problem.

Baleba would join countryman Mbeumo at United

Although he struggled to shine in the Premier League last season, Baleba did produce a string of impressive displays for Cameroon at the 2025 African Cup of Nations.

And his link-up with United forward Bryan Mbeumo is sure to have caught the eye of the Old Trafford scouts.

His recent Brighton form is a concern, however.

He was hauled off at half-time on four occasions in the Premier League last season and completed 90 minutes just three times.

Recurring injury problems were to blame but there were also suggestions he lost his motivation to play for Brighton due to United’s interest last summer.