Man Utd latest: Baleba preparing to travel to Manchester to sign five year contract

Manchester United are finalising a deal to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton as Michael Carrick looks to add another powerful presence to his midfield.

United have made a proposal worth around £65million, understood to be £60m up front plus a further £5m in add-ons, with talks between the clubs continuing.

Brighton are now open to a sale despite previously placing a much higher valuation on the Cameroon international.

The 22-year-old has been a long-term United target and the club's interest dates back to last season. This time, however, negotiations have reached an advanced stage, with all parties working towards an agreement.

Baleba is currently recovering from an ankle ligament injury suffered during pre-season, although the problem is not expected to keep him out for an extended period.

The midfielder is understood to be preparing to travel to Manchester, where medical plans will also be scheduled swiftly once the deal - a five-year contract is completed.

Baleba would give United a combination they have been missing in midfield: power, athleticism, ball-winning ability and the capacity to drive forward with possession.

The Cameroon international can operate as a defensive midfielder or a more dynamic No.8. His physicality allows him to cover large areas of the pitch, while his strength makes him difficult to dispossess when carrying the ball.

He is also comfortable receiving possession under pressure and immediately turning defence into attack.

That ability to win the ball and then carry it forward could be particularly valuable to Carrick.

United have already strengthened their midfield with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, but Baleba would offer a different profile.

With Casemiro having departed and Manuel Ugarte currently dealing with injury, United need greater depth and athleticism in the centre of the pitch.

Baleba could provide the defensive platform for players such as Fernandes and Tielemans to operate further forward.

He would also give Carrick another option when United need to press aggressively or defend transitions.

There is a history behind the move.

United explored the possibility of signing Baleba previously, but Brighton's valuation proved prohibitive. The Seagulls had previously been looking for a fee approaching £100m.

Their position has now changed. United's latest offer is significantly below that figure, but Brighton appear willing to negotiate.

Baleba is also understood to be keen on the possibility of moving to Old Trafford, which could help United's efforts to get the deal over the line.

Baleba would be United's third significant midfield signing of the summer and could prove the most transformative.

At 22, he fits the club's preference for younger players while already possessing extensive Premier League experience.

His physical presence, defensive instincts and ability to carry the ball would give Carrick a midfielder capable of doing the less glamorous work while still contributing to United's build-up.

And after previously failing to prise him away from Brighton, United now appear determined to get their man.