Man Utd 'learn Carlos Baleba price' and stance on joining Benjamin Sesko in mega transfer

Manchester United have reportedly been told that it would take a mammoth £104million fee to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton this summer. The Red Devils have shown considerable ambition and have favoured Premier League proven players in their rebuild under Ruben Amorim, with Baleba fitting that mould.

He has impressed over the last two seasons at Brighton and interest has been registered from Old Trafford, withM anchester City and Pep Guardiola fellow admirers, but the 21-year-old is likely to stay put at the AMEX Stadium and continue his progression under Fabian Hurzeler.

ESPN claim that any deal taking Baleba to United is complicated further due to the imminent £74m signing of Benjamin Sesko, putting a further financial strain on the club. Furthermore, the Cameroon international is reportedly happy to stay on the south coast, with an exit considered more likely next year.

Bringing in a midfielder such as Baleba, alongside a new goalkeeper, are considered priorities in M16. But signing off on such a huge financial outlay is improbable, especially before significant sales for Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Rasmus Hojlund and Jadon Sancho.

Brighton are more likely to demand a nine-figure fee because Ligue 1 side Lille are owed 20 per cent of any profit on the £26m they received in 2023.

The Seagulls have been willing sellers in recent years, with the likes of Joao Pedro, Marc Cucurella and Moises Caicedo all heading to Chelsea. Ben White, Yves Bissouma and Alex Mac Allister have also left for the traditional 'Big Six' in England.

For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express MUFC newsletter, or join our WhatsApp community here.

But this summer, Brighton have no desire to sell and Baleba is contracted until 2028 with the option for another year. If he does not sign an extension, however, they may be more approachable during negotiations in 12 months' time.

The Athletic claimed on Wednesday that contact was made by United, via intermediaries, to explore the conditions of a potential deal for Baleba.

Though the understanding from all parties is that a move is unrealistic, despite United's desire to recruit a mobile central midfielder and with Baleba at the top of their shortlist.

Ruben Amorim already has Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo and Toby Collyer to call upon in midfield. Collyer may leave on loan and INEOS have already attempted to sell Casemiro, unsuccessfully, to Saudi Arabia.

In November, Baleba dismissed speculation over his future amid links to Liverpool, insisting his only focus was on Brighton. He told Sky Sports: "I don't really think like that: playing for two or three years and then leaving. Me? I just work. In my head it's all about working and helping my club.

"If I can help a team-mate, I will. If they can help me, I'll accept that help to push forward and develop. So, I just work to help my team and for myself, to progress for the future.

"In return, everyone who helps me wants me to go to the highest level. And if there are big clubs who want me, it's not something that worries me or gets me excited. I just need to work hard and keep a cool head.

"I don't know if I'm going to be the star or the next big thing. For me, being the star is quite a lot. Everyone talking about you, singing your name? That just doesn't do it for me. It's not something that gets me running. I just prefer getting my head down and working on the pitch."