Manchester United agree deal to sign Carlos Baleba

Carlos Baleba has been tied with a move to Manchester United for many months, with reports first linking the midfielder to a move last summer.

Whilst United were reported to be in pole position during last summer’s transfer window to sign the Cameroon international, a transfer never formulated.

Links once again emerged during the winter transfer window last season although those at the top of Brighton closed down any possible deal.

With Manchester United signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans earlier in this summer’s transfer window, it had appeared that the club would not pursue a move for Baleba.

Reports from David Ornstein just weeks ago, claiming that United were close to an agreement for the midfielder, sparked rumours again, however, with journalist Andy Naylor also stating that a deal would probably happen.

Now, Fabrizio Romano has stated that Manchester United have reached a verbal agreement with Brighton and Hove Albion to sign Carlos Baleba.

United sent an improved bid today according to the journalist, with Baleba now set to join the club.

Journalist Alex Crook have also stated the transfer fee for the deal is worth over £70m and will contain a sell-on clause too.

He will be the club’s third primary midfield signing of the summer, after Santos and Tielemans, and could feature next week against Ipswich Town should the deal be completed in time.

It remains to be seen whether the midfielder will feature in Brighton and Hove Albion’s first Premier League match of the season against Aston Villa on Sunday.

After months of links, speculation, and rumours, United’s wait for Baleba now appears to finally be approaching its conclusion.

Focus will now switch towards Old Trafford to see if the transfer will be finalised, and to see if further updates emerge in the coming days.

For now, Carlos Baleba looks to be on his way to Manchester United as the club’s latest summer recruit.