Man Utd close on deal for Brighton's Baleba

This is an interesting move by United.On one side, it makes perfect sense. They tried to sign Baleba 12 months ago, so are fully aware of his abilities.He is the kind of box-to-box player United do not have in their midfield despite the arrivals of Santos and Tielemans.Baleba wants to make the move and the fee, whatever it ends up as, will be much less than the £100m they were quoted previously.However, the reason the fee has gone down is the underwhelming form he showed for Brighton last season.Thirty-one starts and three substitute appearances in the Premier League in 2024-25 became 23 starts and eight substitute appearances in 2025-26, highlighting a dip in form and value to Fabian Hurzeler in a campaign when Brighton secured European football for only the second time in their history.There was a belief Baleba's head had been turned by United's interest, but Brighton sources last season said they didn't think that was right.With the transfer deadline approaching, Old Trafford chiefs have made their move.Carrick must hope he gets the 2024-25 version.