Carlos Baleba set to complete Manchester United move in £70m deal 

Manchester United is set to complete the signing of Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion after reaching a verbal agreement with the Premier League club

The Red Devils have agreed a deal worth £65 million plus £5 million in add-ons for the highly rated midfielder, following an improved offer after Brighton rejected an initial £65 million package

Baleba, who has made it clear that Manchester United was his preferred destination, has reportedly received permission to travel from Brighton, with the club already scheduling his medical over the weekend.

The 22-year-old is expected to sign a five-year contract with an option for an additional year, subject to the completion of formalities.

Manchester United is said to be delighted with the agreement, having monitored the Cameroon international for some time. The club had been prepared to pay around £75 million for Baleba a year ago, but have now secured his services for a lower initial fee.

Brighton had previously valued Baleba highly, with comparisons made to their former midfielder Moisés Caicedo, whose transfer to Chelsea set a record fee for a Premier League midfielder.

Baleba joined Brighton from French side Lille in 2023 and has developed into one of the most promising young midfielders in England, attracting interest from several top clubs.

The move will strengthen Manchester United’s midfield options as they continue preparations for the new season under their rebuilding project.