United close in on £70m Baleba as £43m Balde 'approves' Old Trafford move

Manchester United are on the verge of two significant signings, with Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba completing a medical ahead of a £70m move and Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde understood to have instructed his agent Jorge Mendes to find him a new club — with United his preferred destination.

Baleba deal reaches the finish line

United have agreed a fee of £70m with Brighton for Baleba, comprising an initial £65m with a further £5m in add-ons and a sell-on clause included in the deal. The 22-year-old Cameroonian international was sent for a medical at the weekend, and a formal announcement is expected imminently.

The move represents a significant shift from Brighton’s original valuation. United first targeted Baleba last summer but the Seagulls refused to sell for less than £100m. Manager Michael Carrick has now secured the midfielder for £35m less than that asking price.

Balde emerges as left-back option

With United’s pursuit of Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall stalling — the Magpies are refusing to sanction a sale — Carrick’s side have turned their attention to alternatives. Spanish outlet Sport reports that Balde has been left out of Hansi Flick’s Barcelona squad and is keen to leave the Catalan club this summer, with a move to United described as the option he is ‘most excited’ by.

Benfica have also registered an interest in the 21-year-old, but United appear to be the frontrunner. Transfermarkt values Balde at around £43m.

Pressure mounts after opening-day defeat

The transfer activity comes after a difficult start to the Premier League season. United lost 2-0 at home to newly-promoted Hull City on the opening weekend, with goals from Nobel Mendy and Semi Ajayi handing Carrick’s side a chastening defeat.

Carrick remained measured in his assessment after the game. “We did some good things today and it will get lost,” he said. “We have to find answers but because we lose one game, it doesn’t mean everything needs dissecting.”

The arrivals of Baleba and potentially Balde would represent a significant bolstering of the squad as United look to respond quickly to that setback.