Manchester United Completes £70m Deal for Carlos Baleba

Manchester United have moved decisively in the market again, agreeing a deal worth up to £70m with Brighton for midfielder Carlos Baleba.

A breakthrough in talks came on Friday evening, clearing the way for the 22-year-old to undergo a medical ahead of his move to Old Trafford. Once that hurdle is cleared, United will have secured another major piece of their rebuilt midfield.

The Cameroon international becomes the latest addition to a rapidly changing engine room. United turned to Baleba this week after opting to add yet more power and depth in the centre of the pitch, even after sealing earlier moves for Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.

United will pay an initial £65m, with a further £5m due in performance-related add-ons.

Brighton have also secured a sell-on clause, protecting their long-term interest in one of their latest high-value exports.

Another big midfield signing. Another sizeable fee. The question now is how quickly Baleba can turn that investment into authority on the pitch at Old Trafford.