Manchester United are close to completing the signing of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba during the current summer transfer window, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Romano announced the news on social media on Friday, saying: “Breaking.. Brighton player Carlos Baleba will move to Manchester United.. the deal is done.”
He added that the two clubs had reached a verbal agreement after Manchester United submitted an improved offer. The new proposal followed the rejection of an earlier package worth £65m.
Romano said Baleba was preparing to join “the only club he wanted”, with the Cameroon international expected to become a Manchester United player shortly.
A further update from the transfer specialist put the overall value of the deal at £65m, plus a possible £5m in add-ons.
“Carlos Baleba will be a new Manchester United player very soon,” Romano said.
He also reported that Baleba had been given permission by Brighton to travel, while Manchester United had arranged a medical examination for the midfielder over the weekend.
In a separate social media post, Romano wrote: “Understand Carlos Baleba to Man United deal fee will be £65m plus £5m add-ons. Cameroon midfielder has authorization to travel from Brighton as Manchester United have booked a medical over the weekend. Here we go, confirmed.”
Romano later described the move in another update as: “Breaking: Carlos Baleba to Manchester United, here we go! Verbal agreement in place between clubs. Improved bid sent today after £65m package rejected and player set to join the only club he wanted. Baleba, new Manchester United player soon.”
The reported agreement would see Manchester United complete a move for a player who has been identified in the article as the club’s preferred target. The latest offer has therefore moved negotiations forward after the initial £65m package failed to secure Brighton’s approval.
Baleba, a Cameroon midfielder, is now expected to undergo his medical over the weekend after receiving clearance to leave Brighton temporarily for the process. The medical represents the next stage before the transfer can be completed.
The agreement remains described as verbal, although Romano has confirmed the deal with his “Here we go” announcement. Manchester United are now set to finalise the move, with the fee potentially rising from £65m to £70m if the additional £5m in add-ons is paid.
The signing would make Baleba the latest new arrival at Manchester United once the formalities are concluded.
