Brighton's Carlos Baleba discusses potential Manchester United move with players

Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba has been discussing the possibility of joining Manchester United with members of the squad. The 22-year-old, who has been on United's radar for over a year, held conversations with Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha following the final match of the season.

The connections between Baleba and the current United dressing room are significant. He previously played alongside defender Leny Yoro during their time at Lille and shares a close relationship with compatriot Andre Onana, who had encouraged him to make the move to Manchester last year. These existing friendships could potentially smooth the path for a transfer should the Red Devils decide to formalize their pursuit.

United's long-standing interest has arguably had an impact on the player's performance levels this season. Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler noted that the constant transfer speculation appeared to affect Baleba’s concentration, leading to tactical substitutions early in the campaign. Hurzeler admitted at one point that there were clear "noises" in the player's head regarding his future.

Despite a challenging season that saw his starting opportunities fluctuate, United remains firm in their interest. The club is looking to add depth to their midfield options for the upcoming season, and Baleba remains a key target for the Old Trafford hierarchy.