Manchester United's inquiry for Brighton's defensive midfielder was rejected; a strong purchase requires £100 million! The reason for their continued financial capability to buy players after spending £200 million has been revealed.

According to authoritative transfer expert David Ornstein from "The Athletic," after securing Sheshko, Manchester United has turned their attention to the midfield and inquired through an intermediary about the situation of Cameroonian international Carlos Baleba.

This 21-year-old midfielder, who has made 7 appearances for the Cameroon national team, has suddenly gained significant attention in the transfer market. However, Brighton has made it clear that they do not intend to sell him this summer. The "Seagulls" have a three-year contract with the player, plus an option for an additional year, giving them complete control.

Interest in Baleba is high, with Manchester United being one of many suitors, and they have already communicated through transfer intermediaries. However, Brighton has clearly stated that they hope to retain Baleba for at least another year. The player's contract runs until 2028 and includes a clause for a 12-month extension, meaning that if someone insists on a purchase this year, the price will significantly increase, easily exceeding £100 million.

Baleba joined Brighton from Ligue 1 Lille for £26 million last summer, filling the gap left by Moisés Caicedo, who was signed by Chelsea. Two years later, the Seagulls may have yet another "£100 million man." Last season, he made 40 appearances across all competitions, scoring 4 goals and providing 2 assists.

Baleba is an aggressive defensive player who likes to press when opponents are off balance, efficiently completing tackles by controlling time and space, especially intercepting passes to give Brighton an advantage. His defensive work rate is excellent, often being the first player to chase down opponents.

Baleba's idol is former Manchester United player Paul Pogba, but his passing style differs from the French superstar's, as he tends to opt for simpler passes rather than attempting key passes that penetrate the opponent's defense. Nevertheless, Baleba possesses excellent long passing skills, which can enhance the attack. Therefore, he is considered a suitable candidate for Manchester United's midfield.

Amorim is looking for a new midfielder who excels at running in the transfer market. Currently, Manchester United's squad includes Casemiro, Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, and Toby Collyer, with Bruno Fernandes also capable of playing in the central midfield role. However, none of them quite fit Amorim's standards for a balanced midfield player in a 3-4-3 formation. The 21-year-old Collyer may be loaned out, while 33-year-old Casemiro is in the final year of his contract with Manchester United, making next year potentially the best time to acquire Baleba.

If Manchester United signs Sheshko, their transfer spending this summer will already reach £200 million: £62.5 million for Cunha, £71 million for Mbeumo, and £75 million for Sheshko. However, the club's research has found that changes in accounting rules and the club's credit limits mean they can still invest heavily in transfers this summer. Of course, Manchester United and all parties are aware that pursuing Baleba's transfer now may not be realistic, especially if they successfully sign Sheshko.

It is also possible that Manchester United could make a big purchase for Baleba, but this would require a series of lucrative sales; otherwise, spending nearly £200 million to simultaneously buy a striker and a midfielder would be quite unlikely. Nevertheless, Manchester United is closely monitoring Baleba, and whether there will be any developments in the coming days remains to be seen.

Manchester United may also opt to first sign a lower-priced midfielder and then attempt to acquire Baleba next year after Casemiro departs. Regardless of the timing, buying players from Brighton is not easy; they ensure a strong financial position through a low-buy, high-sell transfer strategy and feel no pressure to sell.