Man Utd mean business! Red Devils approach Brighton over ambitious Carlos Baleba transfer after closing in on Benjamin Sesko

According to journalist Martin Camus, the Red Devils have shown strong interest in signing Cameroon international Baleba from Brighton and have contacted their Premier League rivals. The report adds that the Seagulls have agreed to open initial talks, but the 21-year-old is likely to cost around €100 million (£87m/$116m).

The Athletic, on the other hand, claims that it is unlikely that Brighton will agree to sell Baleba, whose current deal runs until 2028 with an option to extend by a year. The move could also be unrealistic for the Red Devils, who are close to finalising a big-money move for RB Leipzig's star forward Sesko. Unless the English giants can sell a host of unwanted stars like Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony soon, they won't be able to afford another costly incoming transfer.

United do need new signings to bolster their midfield and Baleba remains a key target for them, but for now an agreement seems unlikely. They currently have Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo and Toby Collyer in the central midfield, while captain Bruno Fernandes can also drop in.

Brighton CEO Paul Barber addressed Baleba's situation while speaking at a fans' event, as he said: "There is always going to be interest in our players. Manchester United have not been in touch with me. Speculation is speculation. Carlos is a fantastic talent. We hope he will be hear for years to come, but it is subject to the dynamics of the football world, which isn't always predictable."

Rubem Amorim's side will play their final pre-season friendly this Saturday against Fiorentina, before kicking off the new Premier League season against Arsenal on August 17.