United close in on Baleba as Carrick targets left-back after Hull defeat

Manchester United are closing in on Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba in a deal worth £70m, with manager Michael Carrick also targeting a left-back reinforcement after his side fell to a 2-0 defeat against newly-promoted Hull City on the opening day of the season.

Baleba is set to become Carrick’s fourth summer signing after United’s improved bid was accepted by Brighton, having seen an initial £60m offer rejected. The fee represents a significant shift from Brighton’s original asking price of more than £100m last summer, when United first registered an interest. The 22-year-old will join Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santas as midfield additions, supplementing an existing group that includes Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount.

The Hull defeat, secured by goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy at the MKM Stadium, has added urgency to Carrick’s recruitment plans. The United manager was candid in his assessment of the performance, acknowledging room for improvement while refusing to let the result derail the squad’s confidence.

“Some of it was OK, there’s bits to improve on,” Carrick said. “It was never going to be perfect, but going behind and giving ourselves a lot to do makes it more difficult. We’re bitterly disappointed with the result, but we won’t let it knock us.”

With left-back now a priority, United have turned their attention to Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde after Newcastle closed the door on Lewis Hall. According to Spanish outlet Jijantes, the 22-year-old Balde is seeking a new challenge, with his agent Jorge Mendes working to secure a move before the window closes. Balde was absent from Barcelona’s matchday squad against Elche on Sunday amid the speculation linking him with Old Trafford.

United have also entered the race for Leicester City teenager Louis Page, though the Foxes swiftly rejected bids from both United and Arsenal for the 18-year-old. Leicester manager Russell Martin confirmed no deal had progressed, stating there had been “a lot of talks, discussions and enquiries” but no movement on the player’s status at the club.