Carlos Baleba: Don't panic Man United, Brighton have played this game before

If Manchester United's transfer chiefs thought Brentford were tough negotiators they will no doubt be realising how difficult Brighton & Hove Albion will make a pursuit for Carlos Baleba. The Reds are now in club-to-club talks for the Cameroonian midfielder.

Baleba is open to joining United and would make the move "immediately" if a deal were to be agreed, per Fabrizio Romano. That's the main issue, though, as the Seagulls insist on keeping the 21-year-old for another year, and that puts us at risk of being joined in a race next summer.

This is why the Red Devils must stay focused on signing the former LOSC Lille youngster instead of looking at alternatives. But many will feel they've been handed a blow given Brighton's recent stance coming to light in public.

Fabian Hurzeler 'confident' Man United target Baleba will stay at Brighton

Baleba hasn't downed tools during speculation over a possible United transfer and has trained with Fabian Hurzeler's group ahead of the new season. He's expected to be in the squad that face Fulham on Saturday (August 16).

Hurzeler was asked about the situation ahead of that match, and he doesn't think his midfielder is going anywhere. He said that he is "very confident" Baleba will be at the Amex this season and that he sees " no changes in player".

This should frighten United away and perhaps suggests that Brighton are willing to hold on to Baleba for a year to attract more clubs with the prospect of an auction. It also hints that the Cameroon international is only focused on the Seagulls and not likely to push to leave before the window closes on September 1.

We've (not United) been here before with Brighton

United fans might think INEOS will call time on this summer's pursuit of Baleba after hearing of Hurzeler's confident stance over the holding midfielder. But the south coast outfit are a clever club ran by the excellent Tony Bloom and Paul Barber.

They have dealt with similar scenarios throughout Brighton's stay in the Premier League, especially when it comes to interest from Chelsea. Barber most recently gave an amusing response about the west Londoners constantly signing their players.

One of those players was Moises Caicedo who moved to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2023 for a British transfer record fee of £115m (including add-ons). The Ecuadorian had been told he wasn't going anywhere and the Seagulls pushed that narrative in the media.

It was back in April 2023 when BBC Sport reported that Brighton "don't expect to sell Caicedo". It claimed that they were "adamant they do not want to sell".

There are similarities ensuing regarding United targeting Baleba with the player keen to join Ruben Amorim's side but the Amex outfit standing firm on their valuation that hasn't been made public. There have been several fees thrown around but Ben Jacobs told The United Stand that this isn't the way the club operate.

It could go down to deadline day as the Reds push for a new number six for Amorim. But the latest development of Hurzeler's comments don't mean a deal is definitely off the cards.

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