Overview

• Manchester United opened informal talks via intermediaries to gauge Brighton’s willingness to sell midfielder Carlos Baleba
• Brighton CEO Paul Barber publicly denied direct contact and reaffirmed that the club plans to retain Baleba
• Baleba has three years remaining on his contract and is emerging as one of the Premier League’s top defensive midfielders
• United’s transfer funds are largely committed to landing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, reducing the likelihood of a Baleba deal
• Former United defender Rio Ferdinand reacted on social media to the speculation by tweeting “Who’s a Baleba???”