Manchester United are closing in on a deal to sign Brighton's Carlos Baleba, as the full details have now been revealed.
Manchester United have been searching for midfielders for most of the summer transfer window, but business seemed to have stalled until today.
So far, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have joined the club from Chelsea and Aston Villa, respectively. However, they were both signed in a matter of days in July, with little to no first-team transfers since then.
Karl Darlow and Tynan Thompson have also moved to Old Trafford, but United fans remain desperate for a third midfield signing and a left-back before the end of the transfer window.
Roundtable have previously reported that Manchester United have held club-to-club talks with Newcastle United for Lewis Hall, but little movement had been made on another midfielder until today.
Man Utd closing in on Carlos Baleba
David Ornstein of The Athletic has reported that Manchester United are closing in on a deal to sign Carlos Baleba and have made a £60 million offer, plus £5 million in add-ons.
It is said that this fee is below the price Brighton would be seeking to sell the midfielder, but talks are ongoing.
Alex Crook has also reported that the Red Devils are confident they can sign Baleba for less than £75 million.
While Baleba is currently out injured, he would add much-needed depth to United's midfield – which is looking even lighter after Mason Mount's pre-season injury.
The former Chelsea midfielder was forced off within 20 minutes against Paris Saint-Germain and did not feature against Leeds United or AC Milan.
Manchester United face Hull City in their opening game of the Premier League on Saturday, 22 August.
What will Baleba bring to Man Utd?
Running. Enough said.
Manchester United have lacked legs in midfield for some time. Even going back to their best midfield on paper in recent times (Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes), United did not have running power in the engine room.
When Fred and Scott McTominay partnered in central midfield, United were a little better off. But Baleba will bring United a balanced midfield when he starts.
The Cameroonian could start alongside any of United's midfielders and instantly raise the levels out of possession, given that is what he is best at. However, he will also help United in possession.
Baleba is known for progressing the ball through his dribbling, while his passing has also come on in recent seasons.
Last term was a struggle, but he came so close to a move to Old Trafford in the summer, and now it appears he will finally get his chance.
