Carlos Baleba eyed by new Premier League club after historic Man United interest

Newcastle have set their sights on Brighton’s Carlos Baleba in their search for Bruno Guimaraes’ replacement, talkSPORT understands.

The Magpies are in need of further midfield reinforcement following a tumultuous summer that brought about the exits of Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.

New boss Matthias Jaissle faces a race against time to beef up his midfield options ahead of the new season.

The club’s midfield incomings this summer consist of 20-year-old Aladji Bamba and 18-year-old Sean Steur.

But Jaissle is looking for a player with Premier League experience after Marseille star Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg rejected a move to St James’ Park earlier this week.

That could now see Newcastle move for Baleba who has clocked up 92 top-flight games for the Seagulls.

Is the door opening for Newcastle?

Baleba has long been courted by Manchester United however the Red Devils’ decision to sign Andrey Santos appears to have cooled any further progress with the Brighton star.

“Carlos Beleba is a player attracting admiring glances from for Magpies,” said talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook.

“Manchester United have been keen on Baleba for the last couple of transfer windows and at the moment it doesn’t look like they are going to pursue that interest this time around.

“Obviously, Newcastle have lost both of their starting midfielders Sandro Tonali to Spurs for £100m and Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal for a guaranteed £75m.

“They do have money to spend,” Crook added. “Brighton will be tough negotiators though.

“There’s talk in the north east that they can get Baleba for a little at £65m – I’m not entirely convinced of that asking price.”

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Jaissle is understood to be a keen admirer of the 22-year-old Cameroon international.

And the German tactician could do with his skillset if Wednesday’s 3-1 pre-season defeat to Everton was anything to go by.

With just a week until the Premier League season gets underway the Magpies are stepping into a somewhat unknown territory.

In addition to the aforementioned exits, Newcastle will also be without the recently departed Kieran Trippier who completed a summer switch to Wolves.

Newcastle are targeting Benfica right-back Amar Dedic who played under Jaissle during their time together at Red Bull Salzburg.

Dedic, who is believed to be keen on a move to the north east, featured for Benfica in Thursday’s Europa League clash against Hearts.

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The Bosnia international appeared emotional as he applauded the club’s fans at full-time.

Jaissle has had to count on his academy full-backs during pre-season with Tino Livramento and makeshift right-back Lewis Miley having missed all of this summer’s preparations.