Brighton & Hove Albion have drawn a firm line on Carlos Baleba’s future, according to talkSPORT.
With several Premier League clubs circling the winter window, the Seagulls are prepared to reject any January approach for the 21-year-old midfielder and, if necessary, steer bidders towards a £120million price tag.
The midfielder was heavily pursued by Manchester United during the summer transfer window, but Brighton fought off the Red Devils and ultimately managed to keep Baleba at the club.
Man United have shown interest in Baleba this summer
Baleba has reportedly had his head turned by interest from Man United and manager Ruben Amorim is considering a move in January, according to some reports.
However, Brighton have made their position clear. The midfielder is not for sale and United are expected to look for alternative targets in the market.
United are reportedly focusing their mid-season midfielder search elsewhere, with Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton now seen as their No.1 priority.
The Red Devils are set to face significant hurdles in the race to sign Wharton as Real Madrid’s interest in signing the Palace midfielder increases.
Red Devils now target Adam Wharton
The Crystal Palace midfielder is known for his passing, ability to control the pace of the game and his linking skills.
He’s a different player to Baleba, someone who relies more on his technique than his speed and strength.
Wharton has quickly become a key pillar at Selhurst Park, and the Eagles have little appetite for a mid-season sale without an extraordinary proposition.
Heading into January, Brighton are determined to keep Baleba and are backing the move with a deterrent price tag.
Man United, meanwhile, have set their sights on Wharton, a player whose skillset perfectly matches their midfield needs but whose availability will be hard-won given the wider interest in the player.
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