Overview

• Manchester United have held fresh personal terms talks with Baleba’s agents despite Brighton refusing to negotiate on a sale this summer.
• Brighton & Hove Albion maintain a near-£100 million asking price for Baleba, reflecting their strategy of developing young talents for significant profit.
• Competition from Liverpool and Tottenham has intensified the chase, making a speedy agreement before the September window deadline unlikely.
• United’s heavy outlay on forwards and the absence of Champions League revenue mean any midfield deal would hinge on funding through player sales.
• With academy prospect Toby Collyer ruled out of a swap, United are monitoring more affordable midfield targets such as Lamine Camara, Hayden Hackney, Lucien Agoume and Adam Wharton.