CARLOS BALEBA has discussed the possibility of joining Manchester United with some of the club’s players.
Brighton midfielder Baleba, 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.
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Carlos Baleba came on against United last month Credit: AFP
Baleba started on the bench against the Red Devils Credit: Alamy
Baleba, 22, 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.
Cameroon international Baleba later caught the attention of United left back Patrick Dorgu while he spoke to journalists in the mixed zone.
Dorgu remained coy when suddenly asked whether United should sign Baleba.
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Baleba is also a former teammate of United defender Leny Yoro from the pair’s time at Lille. He is close with fellow Cameroonian Bryan 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.
United enquired about Baleba in August but had no realistic chance of signing the defensive midfielder as they prioritised sharpening their attack.
Baleba appeared distracted by United’s interest and he was substituted at half-time in three of Brighton’s first seven games.
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Baleba speaks with Man Utd boss Michael Carrick on the final day of the season Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Baleba and United star Bryan Mbeumo are Cameroon team-mates Credit: AFP
The Brighton midfielder played with Leny Yoro at Lille Credit: Getty
Brighton coach Fabian Hurzeler started Baleba 23 times in the Premier League – eight fewer than in the previous season – and Baleba completed 90 minutes on only four occasions.
Hurzeler dropped Baleba for the visit of United last month, claiming he had “struggled” in the defeat to Leeds United the previous week and felt “quite tired”.
After Baleba’s struggling start to the season, Hurzeler conceded “there might be some noises in his head”, a reference to United’s contact.
Baleba was booked and lasted 59 minutes in Brighton’s 4-2 defeat at United in October. He was substituted with the Seagulls 3-0 down.
United’s victory at Brighton in May marked their first domestic double against the Europa Conference League qualifiers since the 2020-21 season.
