Manchester United appears to have made significant progress in their pursuit of Carlos Baleba, the Brighton midfielder, with negotiations advancing toward a potential deal. The 22-year-old has been a target for United for over a year, but previous valuations from Brighton had complicated any move.

Recently, United's approach, reportedly worth around £60m plus £5m in add-ons, is now being discussed, although it still falls short of Brighton's ideal asking price. David Ornstein of The Athletic and The Peoples Person have confirmed that talks are ongoing, with both parties seeking a compromise.

Earlier this year, Brighton's chairman Paul Barber firmly stated that Baleba was not for sale, indicating how much the club's stance has shifted. Just days ago, reports suggested Brighton might consider offers around £65m, especially with interest from Newcastle.

For United, acquiring Baleba would be an exciting addition to their midfield, already bolstered by the signings of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Baleba is known for his explosive ball-carrying, defensive prowess, and physicality, making him a potentially vital player for United.

However, there are concerns about Baleba's consistency, especially after a challenging 2025/26 campaign and recovery from an ankle injury. Despite this, the prospect of signing him at a significantly lower price than previously expected makes it an appealing gamble for United.

The key now is to finalize the negotiations swiftly. If Brighton's true position is only slightly above United's offer, a deal could be imminent.