INEOS eyes a defensive midfielder to bolster Michael Carrick’s squad, but Brighton’s £100m valuation remains a major obstacle in bringing the Cameroonian to Old Trafford.
Manchester United's midfield options have been bolstered so far this summer transfer window, with the addition of Ederson from Atalanta.
However, fans are expecting more business to be completed in the coming weeks, and the higher-ups at the club may potentially have to pay a large price tag for a player who will be at the heart of Michael Carrick's squad next year.
INEOS must be prepared to splash the cash, as United are playing in the Champions League, and need to have sufficient depth as well as Champions League-level players to compete with the biggest clubs in the world.
As expected, rumours have been swirling, and a multitude of players have been linked to a move to Old Trafford, but there is one awfully familiar name, as they could have been playing for the Red Devils at the beginning of last season.
United interested in Baleba despite huge price tag
Carlos Baleba seemed destined for a move to United in last year's summer transfer window, but the deal fell apart due to Brighton's huge £100m asking price for the Cameroonian midfielder.
The 22-year-old will regret not signing for the Red Devils a year ago, as he did not have as much of an impact on the Seagulls campaign just gone, causing his stock to fall. Baleba is still rated highly amongst fans, but not at the level he was during the 24/25 season.
Despite a drop off in performances, Manchester United remain interested in Brighton's key midfielder, but may once again be put off by the asking price for Baleba.
According to Manchester Evening News, The Seagulls have still not significantly dropped the price they want for Baleba, meaning they continue to value the midfielder around the £100m mark.
As the window progresses, this price tag could drop if clubs are not willing to pay the huge fee, which is potentially why we haven't seen any bids for Baleba yet.
Is Baleba worth the price tag?
Despite a lacklustre season on the coast, Baleba is undoubtedly a player at his core who possesses all the traits United are looking for in a defensive midfielder. He is a powerful presence, with a superb ability to break up play.
If Carrick can work similar magic on Baleba to what he did with Kobbie Mainoo, the Cameroonian could potentially become a stalwart at Old Trafford, if a move were to be completed.
Fans on social media have split opinions on the 22-year-old, but most agree that Brighton is overvaluing their man and want to see the price tag cut down considerably, even down to £50m.
If INEOS can negotiate a deal for Baleba that does not involve a ridiculous price tag and allows for other recruits to be brought in alongside him, it could be a clever piece of business if the midfielder can return to the form he was in two seasons ago.
