Manchester United forward Brian Mbeumo is trying to convince Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleva to move to Old Trafford, according to reports.
The Red Devils spent more than £200m on new players in the summer transfer window, bringing in Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesco, Senne Lamence and Diego Leon.
A lot of money has been spent on improving an attack that was fifth worst in the Premier League last season, but many fans and former players claim improvements in the midfield have been overlooked.
Man United had been heavily linked with signing Baleva, but a deal looked unlikely after the Red Devils learned of Brighton’s £115m offer.
Brighton chairman Tony Bloom spoke about Manchester United’s interest in an interview with The Argus this week:
“There was some interest from Manchester United, but we told them he wouldn’t be available this summer and they left.
“So we’ve had a lot of bigger stories in the past. But Carlos Bareva, his growth is immense.
“He is a very important player for this football club and we are very happy that he will be with us this season.”
There are rumors that Manchester United could be linked with a move next summer, with The Sun now claiming Mbeumo is “secretly trying to persuade” compatriot Baleba to move to Old Trafford.
The Sun added: “Inside sources say Mbeumo shares his joy at joining a huge club like United and is like a ‘big brother’ to 21-year-old Baleva.”
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Former Chelsea and Cameroon star Geremi believes Brighton midfielder Baleva “will be the next top player”.
Jeremy told BestBettingSites.co.uk: “I think it’s a shame that Manchester United couldn’t sign him, because this is a player of the future.
“If you look at him, he’s definitely capable. He’s not the best midfielder yet, but he’s ready to prove it on a bigger stage.”
“But when you get good players and improve the quality of the players around him, they develop even faster. Given all of United’s problems at the moment, I think Baleva would have benefited from that step up. He’s really going to be the next top player. I’ve watched him a few times and I hope he has good people around him to give him advice.”
“He can play with both feet and is still at a young age, so what he needs to focus on is decision-making. What we need to see is that he has the awareness and maturity to consistently make the right decisions. If he can keep that up, he’s going to be a very good player.”
“Maybe United will come back to replace him, but even if it’s another club, the important thing is that his performance doesn’t drop. If he keeps playing like this, he’ll make a big move.”
