Liverpool appear to have joined Manchester United and Tottenham in the transfer race for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
As first reported in the Daily Briefing earlier today, Baleba remains a top target for a number of big clubs despite a slight dip in form for Brighton this season.
I have already reported on sources informing me that the Cameroon international could probably cost the Seagulls up to €100m.
As well as United, who are most strongly linked with Baleba, Liverpool, Spurs and Bayern Munich are also interested.
Carlos Baleba’s latest transfer, sources say
It appears initial inquiries have been made for Baleba this month, although it appears the clear message from Brighton is that he will not be moving now, with a deal seen as much more realistic for the summer.
His club, however, has no illusions about the fact that it will be difficult to keep him for much longer.
“Brighton is fielding several inquiries about Baleba this month,” a source, who asked to remain anonymous to protect his relationships, told me. “There are teams that ideally would sign him in January, but the message is that won’t be possible. But no one realistically expects him to stay beyond the summer.”
Will Carlos Baleba move to Liverpool or Man United?
United probably need Baleba more as they continue to rebuild under Ruben Amorim, but Liverpool’s interest could also be something to keep an eye on.
The project at Anfield would likely be seen as more tempting after the team’s recent success in winning the Premier League title and participating in the Champions League more frequently.
Nonetheless, Baleba would likely benefit from more guaranteed playing time at Old Trafford, as Amorim urgently need a high-profile young upgrade like Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte.
Liverpool already have a fully fit Ryan Gravenberch in place of Baleba, so it remains to be seen whether moving there would really be the best thing for his personal development.
