Manchester United target Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba at Brighton

Manchester United are working to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba in a deal that could reach £65 million. The proposed package includes £60 million immediately and another £5 million tied to performance conditions for the 22-year-old Cameroon international.

The offer remains below Brighton’s previous valuation of more than £100 million, but discussions have moved towards a possible agreement. The south-coast club has reopened negotiations after Baleba suffered an ankle ligament injury, which is not regarded as a long-term problem.

Baleba has indicated that Manchester United is his preferred destination. Newcastle United had also expressed serious interest, but that pursuit did not develop into formal talks between the clubs. United have prepared the relevant paperwork, with a medical expected once the final fee is settled.

The midfielder’s representatives are understood to have reached an agreement in principle on a contract lasting until June 2030. The proposed arrangement would also give United the option of extending the deal by another year.

Manager Michael Carrick sees Baleba as an important part of his plans to reshape the midfield at Old Trafford. The Cameroon international’s ability to carry the ball, resist pressure, regain possession and compete in defensive duels fits the more aggressive pressing and quicker recovery style Carrick has been implementing.

Baleba would also provide depth while Manuel Ugarte remains unavailable with a long-term knee injury. United have already added Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa this summer, while goalkeeper Karl Darlow arrived from Leeds as a free agent. The club’s six-match European pre-season ended with two wins, two draws and two defeats, highlighting the need for further midfield options before the Premier League opener against Hull City on August 22.