Man Utd 'lead race' for Premier League midfielder as talks begin over fourth huge transfer

Manchester United have made a move to sign Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to reports. The Red Devils are currently working to complete a deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, but also want to bolster their midfield before the summer deadline.

According to L'Equipe, United have started talks with Brighton to discuss the terms of a potential transfer, but are yet to learn their asking price. It's claimed that Arsenal and Liverpool are also in the race for Baleba, yet United are currently considered in pole position.

The report adds that Ruben Amorim views Baleba as one of the pillars of his project at Old Trafford as he prepares for his first full season.

Meanwhile, David Ornstein reports that United contacted Brighton via intermediaries, but it is likely a complicated deal to do.

Brighton are said to want to keep Baleba for at least one more season and do not intend to sanction a summer sale.

The transfer guru states that United recognise that a switch this summer could be unrealistic, especially if the club continue to struggle to sell players.

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United are negotiating the payment structure with Leipzig after offering a guaranteed £65million plus £9m in add-ons for Sesko.

It's claimed that the M16 giants will not be able to afford a big-money recruit in midfield as well as up front unless player sales pick up.

Amorim has already splurged a combined £133.5m on Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, and the Sesko deal would raise that tally above £200m.

United want to sell Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia before the deadline, while Rasmus Hojlund is also set to leave if Sesko arrives.

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Brighton will not feel pressure to sell Baleba, who is under contract at the Amex Stadium until 2028 with the option to extend by 12 months.

Losing one of the Premier League's most highly rated midfielders less than two weeks before the new season starts would come as a major blow for Fabian Hurzeler.

United expect to understand whether there is any scope to lure Baleba to Old Trafford in the coming days.

But first, Old Trafford figures will want to wrap up the signing of Sesko to complete Amorim's attacking overhaul.