Manchester United are preparing for a busy summer transfer window as they look to strengthen their squad.
The Red Devils’ main focus will be on the midfield position, which requires the most attention given Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s inconsistent performance.
Brighton’s 22-year-old midfield dynamo Carlos Baleva has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford, but Brighton were reluctant to let him leave last summer.
Brighton open to selling Baleva
Having previously blocked all approaches, the Seagulls have finally opened the door to a potential sale, with two of England’s biggest clubs already in talks.
Nicolò Sylla says Man United are open to making an offer for the young midfielder, but this time he is likely to face competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea.
In fact, the Red Devils reached a verbal agreement with the Cameroon international last summer, with the player reportedly very keen on a move to Old Trafford.
However, the deal fell through as Brighton slapped a shocking valuation of over £100m and forced new team INEOS to decline the transfer.
Fast forward to the end of the 2025/26 campaign and things have changed. Valeva had a productive season with the South Coast, making 27 Premier League appearances and cementing his reputation as a combative and energetic defensive midfielder.
United are now preparing a major new offer to finally sign him.
Manchester United will face competition from Chelsea
However, United will not be able to secure a decisive victory. Chelsea dramatically entered the chat.
The Blues are reportedly preparing for a major midfield overhaul, with speculation particularly linked to Enzo Fernandes’ blockbuster move to Manchester City.
If Fernandes were to leave, Baleva would be the perfect player as Chelsea would be in dire need of a dominant, physically imposing midfielder to anchor their system.
There could be a fierce battle between Man United and Chelsea for Valeva, but United’s homework from last year could give them an advantage.
Player hopes for transfer to happen as negotiations with Manchester United continue
