Manchester United and Brighton Agree Baleba Deal

Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba is set to undergo a medical at Manchester United after both clubs reached an agreement for his transfer. The 22-year-old is expected to travel tonight, with his medical scheduled for Saturday. He has already verbally agreed to personal terms with the Red Devils and is anticipated to sign a five-year deal at Old Trafford, with an option for a further 12-month extension. The deal is also contingent on him securing a work permit.

United will pay a guaranteed fee of £65 million, which could rise to £70 million with add-ons. The agreement also includes a sell-on clause for a percentage of any future transfer fee.

The Cameroon international is currently sidelined with an ankle ligament injury sustained during pre-season training. Consequently, he missed Brighton's goalless draw against Tromsø in the first leg of their Europa Conference League playoff on Thursday.

Following Casemiro's free transfer departure and Manuel Ugarte's World Cup injury, strengthening the midfield was a priority for United this summer. The club has already brought in Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for a combined total of £83 million.

Baleba joined Brighton from French side Lille in the summer of 2023 and has made 112 appearances for the Amex Stadium club, although he started only 23 Premier League matches last season.