Manchester United agree £70m deal for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba

Manchester United have agreed a £70 million deal with Brighton & Hove Albion for midfielder Carlos Baleba, with the Cameroon international expected to complete his medical within the next 24 hours.

The transfer is not yet fully completed, but the two clubs have reached an agreement after United improved their offer. Brighton had rejected an earlier proposal worth £65m before accepting the revised bid.

Baleba is expected to sign a five-year contract at Old Trafford. The deal will also include a sell-on clause for Brighton, giving the Seagulls a future financial interest in the midfielder’s next move.

The 21-year-old has been a long-term target for United, who first tracked him during his time at Lille. He joined Brighton’s midfield plans before attracting sustained interest from the Manchester club.

Baleba is expected to join United this weekend and has been described as wanting the Premier League club as his preferred destination. His arrival would make him the third midfield signing of the window, following Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.

The move is intended to strengthen United’s midfield ahead of the new season. Baleba’s medical and the completion of personal terms remain the next steps before the transfer can be formally concluded.