Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba has discussed the possibility of joining Manchester United with some of the club’s players. The 22-year-old, who has been tracked by United for over a year, spoke to Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha after their 3-0 victory at the Amex on the final day of the season.
According to The Sun, Baleba made a beeline for unused substitute Cunha after the final whistle and the pair spoke at length by the tunnel. Cunha has been supportive of Baleba in the past, having played against him twice for Wolves
The Cameroon international later caught the attention of United left back Patrick Dorgu while he spoke to journalists in the mixed zone, though Dorgu remained coy when suddenly asked whether United should sign Baleba.
The links between Baleba and the current United squad run deep, which could prove pivotal in any upcoming negotiations.
Baleba is a former team-mate of United defender Leny Yoro from the pair’s time at Lille. He is also close with fellow Cameroonian Mbeumo, while compatriot Andre Onana encouraged Baleba to pursue a move to United last year before his loan switch to Trabzonspor.
Onana and Mbeumo are both scheduled to report for pre-season training at United next month as Cameroon failed to qualify for the World Cup. These existing relationships within the dressing room suggest that the Brighton man would have a smooth transition should the Red Devils finally follow through on their long-standing interest.
