Man Utd make bid for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba including player offer in deal

Manchester United have made a bid for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba including a player.

The offer believed to involve young midfielder Toby Collyer has been quickly turned down by the Seagulls, reported The Sun.

The sticking point is Brighton’s £115 million valuation, a figure that would surpass the £111m fee they received for Moises Caicedo in 2023.

Such a price tag would make Baleba one of the most expensive midfielders in football history. Despite the setback, United remain interested, with talks ongoing between the player’s representatives and Old Trafford officials.

Baleba, 21, has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most promising young midfielders since arriving at Brighton from Lille in 2023.

Known for his tireless work rate, physicality, and ability to progress the ball, the Cameroon-born star is seen as an ideal fit for Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.

His pressing intensity and versatility could give United the midfield dynamism they have lacked in recent years.

United’s interest comes as part of a wider summer rebuild. The club have already invested heavily in attacking signings, including Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, but Amorim remains keen to strengthen central midfield.

Part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has previously stressed the need for smarter recruitment, but Brighton’s hardline stance means United may have to either walk away or consider a record-breaking offer.

Adding to the speculation, Baleba recently drew attention from fans by liking an Instagram post from fellow transfer target Leny Yoro, fuelling theories that he is open to a move north.

Brighton chief executive Paul Barber has played down the rumours, insisting there has been no formal approach that meets their valuation and reiterating that Baleba is “central to the club’s plans” this season.

For now, United’s chances of signing Baleba appear slim, with Brighton determined to resist. However, sources suggest the situation could be revisited in 2026, when the midfielder will have two years left on his deal. Until then, United’s focus may turn to other midfield targets as the transfer deadline approaches.