Manchester United closing in on Carlos Baleba deal after £65m offer

Manchester United are closing in on a deal for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, with negotiations continuing after an offer worth around £65m was submitted for the Cameroon international.

According to David Ornstein, United have proposed approximately £60m plus £5m in add-ons for the 22-year-old. The package remains below Brighton's valuation, but discussions are described as amicable as the clubs work towards an agreement.

United's pursuit of Baleba has now moved into serious negotiations, with the Old Trafford club attempting to find a compromise with Brighton over the final valuation.

The Seagulls have yet to accept the £60m plus £5m package, but the continuation of constructive discussions provides encouragement that a transfer can be completed.

Rather than negotiations reaching an impasse because of the difference in valuation, all parties are working towards finding a structure that satisfies Brighton.

That could leave the final fee or payment terms as the key issues to resolve before Baleba can make the move to Manchester.

Baleba's potential arrival would continue a significant rebuild of United's midfield under Michael Carrick.

United have already added Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, but Carrick still wants another midfielder before the transfer window closes.

Baleba has emerged as the player United are pushing to add to those options.

At 22, the Cameroon international would also fit a longer-term recruitment strategy while providing Carrick with another physically powerful and Premier League-proven option in the centre of the pitch.

The fact United are prepared to commit a package approaching £65m demonstrates how seriously they view the Brighton midfielder as part of that rebuild.

Brighton's position remains crucial because United's latest proposal has not yet reached their asking price.

The Seagulls have developed a reputation for holding firm when negotiating the departures of important players, particularly when those players remain valuable long-term assets.

United therefore still have work to do despite optimism surrounding the negotiations.

The positive factor for Carrick's side is that talks remain amicable. There is no suggestion Brighton have shut the door on a sale, leaving the clubs attempting to close the remaining financial gap.

If an agreement is reached, Baleba would become another major addition to a United midfield that has already undergone substantial change this summer.

United and Brighton must now find common ground on Baleba's valuation and the structure of the proposed transfer.

With negotiations continuing positively, an improved package or adjustment to the payment terms could provide the breakthrough. United's determination to add another midfielder suggests they are unlikely to abandon the pursuit easily while an agreement remains possible.

Would Carlos Baleba complete Manchester United's midfield rebuild, or should £65m already be their limit? Have your say.