£20m deal that scuppers Arsenal will help Man United land Carlos Baleba from Brighton

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Manchester United remain keen on signing Carlos Baleba from Brighton.

The Seagulls held firm amid enquiries from the Red Devils during the summer, aware it would cost at least £100m to obtain the Cameroon international.

However, Jason Ayto is now at Brighton as the new Director of Football – and a deal is in sight which could help Manchester United finally land Carlos Baleba.

Brighton signing Lucien Agoume could free up Carlos Baleba for exit

TBR Football understand the 40-year-old is hoping to bring Lucien Agoume to the Amex Stadium from Sevilla in 2026, who is also a target for Arsenal.

The central midfielder – valued at £20m – is being monitored amid a time where Manchester United are expected to launch another move for Baleba next year, so it does feel as if Ayto is making succession plans in case the Brighton No.17 ends up at Old Trafford.

However, it could all depend on whether Arsenal manage to sign Agoume themselves.

Manchester United could also turn to Adam Wharton

Baleba is not the only central midfielder being closely monitored by Manchester United at the moment, as Ruben Amorim desperately searches for someone who can bring some control to his team.

TBR Football understand Manchester United are scouting Adam Wharton and recently watched the England international help Crystal Palace to a 0-0 draw at Chelsea.

Like Baleba, the Crystal Palace No.20 does not have a fixed release clause – that the media know of – so he too is likely to cost at least £100m, with four years still remaining on his contract.

Brighton may sell Carlos Baleba regardless of Lucian Agoume, depending on how Malick Yalcouye fares

Brighton have another top talent in Malick Yalcouye – a bright midfield prospect who is currently on loan at Swansea.

The Ivory Coast U23 international was described as “one of the greatest talents” ever seen at his old side Goteborg, and at the age of just 19, is a precocious prospect for the Seagulls.

Wharton made his name with Blackburn in the Championship before adapting seamlessly to life in the Premier League with Crystal Palace.

Therefore, if Yalcouye can impress at Swansea and prove to Brighton he has what it takes to replace Baleba, Manchester United could strike a deal regardless of what happens with Agoume.