Brighton CEO refuses to comment Manchester United’s pursuit of Carlos Baleba

Brighton chief executive Paul Barber has confirmed the world’s biggest clubs have shown interest in Carlos Baleba.

However, he refused to comment when asked about Manchester United’s pursuit of the midfielder.

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talkSPORT revealed on Wednesday that the Red Devils are in advanced talks with Brighton to sign Baleba.

It comes after a bid worth an initial £60million plus £5million in add-ons was placed for the 22-year-old.

United are confident of reaching an agreement with the Seagulls before the transfer window closes.

Baleba has already agreed to the move with personal terms in place.

Brighton CEO on Baleba interest

Barber joined White and Jordan live on talkSPORT on Thursday ahead of Brighton’s Conference League play-off against Tromso.

When asked by Jim White if Baleba is joining United, though, he refused to comment on the transfer.

Instead, he replied: “It’s not something that I can talk about right now.

“This time of year we’re always going to be subject to bids for our players, we’re always going to be interested in ones that are sensible and are going to make sense for us financially, economically.

“But we also have to balance that with making sure our squad is as strong as it can be to compete in competitions like the one we’re in.

“So nothing really to say on Carlos at the moment other than that he’s a hugely talented young midfielder who’s done really well for us and has attracted interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world now for a couple of years.”

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Baleba has made 112 appearances for Brighton since joining the club from Lille in 2023.

The Cameroon international currently currently has just under two years remaining on his contract, although there is an option for a further 12 months.

United are also unfazed by an ankle injury suffered by Baleba in pre-season.

As a result of the setback, Baleba was absent from the Brighton squad for their trip to Norway to face Tromso.

Brighton stars in demand

The Seagulls’ former Young Player of the Season is not the only one of their stars wanted by a Premier League rival.

Liverpool have seen a £50million bid for Yankuba Minteh rejected by Brighton.

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talkSPORT previously revealed the Reds’ interest in the winger back in June.

Minteh is currently sidelined until October with a leg injury suffered in a friendly against Roma earlier this month.

Following their eighth place finish last season, Brighton have already lost two key men this summer.

Defender Jan Paul van Hecke has moved to Tottenham Hotspur, whilst Chelsea swooped to complete a cut-price deal for Danny Welbeck.