‘Fantastically confident’ - Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler gives final verdict on Carlos Baleba’s future amid Manchester United interest

Brighton boss Hurzeler has moved to end talk surrounding United's interest in defensive midfielder Baleba. United had made contact with the Seagulls earlier this summer but the move was knocked back and now Hurzeler has confirmed the Cameroon star will stay.

Brighton have been busy in the transfer market as they look to improve on their eighth-place finish under Hurzeler last season. The Seagulls have signed six players, including defenders Maxim de Cuyper from Club Brugge for £17.5 million ($24m), Olivier Boscagli from PSV Eindhoven on a free transfer and Diego Coppola from Hellas Verona. On any further summer signings, Hurzeler said: "Sometimes it's not so clever to share the feelings you have with the public, but overall I'm very happy with the squad."

On Baleba, Hurzeler said: "If there is a number more than 100 per cent, I would say more than 100, so fantastically confident."

With his future at Brighton confirmed, Baleba can focus on nailing down a place for Cameroon ahead of next year's World Cup. The Indomitable Lions are reasonably well placed to qualify as they sit second the CAF Group D but need to top the group to guarantee themselves a place in the USA, Mexico and Canada.