Carlos Baleba opens up on Man United transfer collapse after ‘agreeing personal terms’

Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for Brighton star Carlos Baleba and the midfielder has now addressed the speculation

Brighton and Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba has opened up on the impact surrounding rumours of a potential move to Manchester United had on his form during the first half of the season. United were heavily linked with signing the Seagulls midfielder last summer, as they looked to strengthen their midfield.

However, Brighton were reported to value Baleba at a fee worth around £100million, so United ended up not going on to sign the Cameroon international despite the intense speculation – and widespread reports that they had agreed personal terms with the player.

United are continuing to be linked with a move for a new midfielder, particularly after it was confirmed that Casemiro would be leaving the club this summer when his contract at Old Trafford expires.

As a result, speculation linking Baleba with a switch to United is likely to return once the summer transfer window rolls around, although it remains to be seen if any other clubs will have an interest in the midfielder.

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Baleba endured a difficult first half of the season for Brighton, but has featured in all but six Premier League matches this term, with those absences due to his participation at the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon.

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With both the summer and January transfer windows now in the past, Baleba has reflected on how the speculation surrounding his future affected him.

“I feel more relaxed now,” Baleba, 22, told Sky Sports. “The noise about me outside, I didn’t understand.

“I didn’t look on the websites. I’m more focused on me, myself and for my team-mates.”

Brighton have had a tough campaign on all fronts so far this season, with the Seagulls in 14th place in the Premier League table and just seven points above the relegation zone. Despite the struggles, Baleba is remaining positive and is focused on enjoying the remainder of the campaign.

“All my qualities, I need to improve on that,” Baleba said. “The most of the qualities I have is I need to enjoy more football, because when I play, I’m so serious that I want to do the right thing or to do the proper thing on the pitch.”

It remains to be seen what United will have planned for the summer transfer window when it comes to potential midfield reinforcements.

Baleba is not the only midfielder to be linked with a move to Old Trafford over the last 12 months, with Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest, Sandro Tonali of Newcastle and Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace all seeing their names mentioned on the rumour mill.

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