Manchester United and Liverpool set for transfer tussle over Carlos Baleba

Liverpool are reportedly ready to challenge Manchester United for Brighton’s rising star Carlos Baleba, setting up a potential Premier League transfer showdown.

The 21-year-old Cameroonian midfielder has been on United’s radar for months, with new boss Ruben Amorim identifying him as a priority signing to bolster his midfield. Personal terms were never expected to be an issue, and Baleba himself is believed to be open to the move.

However, Brighton have so far stood firm, blocking United’s advances and making it clear that Baleba will not be sold this season. The Seagulls are convinced the youngster still has major room for growth after just two top-flight campaigns and view him as a key part of their long-term project.

That hasn’t deterred Liverpool, who are now monitoring the situation closely. The Reds see Baleba as a player who fits their midfield rebuild and could be tempted to test Brighton’s resolve, either late in the season or ahead of next summer’s window.

With both Manchester United and Liverpool circling, Baleba’s future looks set to become one of the most intriguing transfer stories in English football over the coming months.