Soccer-Manchester United agree deal for Brighton midfielder Baleba

Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, a source close to the Old Trafford club told Reuters on Friday.

British media reported that United will pay an initial £65 million plus up to £5 million in add-ons, with fellow Premier League side Brighton securing a sell-on clause.

Baleba, who will undergo a medical before completing the move, suffered an ankle ligament injury during pre-season, although reports have suggested the issue is not expected to keep him out for an extended period.

The 22-year-old Cameroon international would become United's third midfield signing of the close season after Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.

Baleba has made 112 appearances since joining Brighton from Lille in 2023 and has been a long-standing target for Michael Carrick's Old Trafford side.

He featured 31 times in the league last term, missing part of Brighton's campaign while representing Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations.

United, who open their Premier League season at promoted Hull City on Saturday, are back in the Champions League this season.