MANCHESTER UNITED are so desperate for a new midfielder that one fan has launched a GoFundMe to raise money to sign Carlos Baleba.
United have reportedly made contact with Brighton to explore a potential deal for Baleba though it will prove difficult.
Brighton could potentially ask for as much as £100m for Baleba, who still has three years remaining on his contract.
Other Cameroonian reports have suggested Amex chiefs want £87m on the table to even consider opening talks over Baleba.
The 21-year-old enjoyed an impressive season for the Seagulls, featuring 34 times in the Premier League and scoring three goals for Fabian Hurzeler’s side.
According to The Athletic, the Red Devils have expressed their interest in the central midfielder.
And, while United may be struggling for money as they flirt with PSR amid the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo for £133m combined, one fan has taken things into his own hands to try and raise some cash.
Supporter Ian M organised the fundraiser on Wednesday night, titled Baleba to ‘Man Utd fund’.
Alongside a picture of Baleba in a Brighton shirt, the description reads: “We need this to happen we need this to happen we need this to happen we need this to happen.”
The post set an ambitious target of raising 120million.
At the time of writing, there has been one £5 donation from an anonymous user.
United will need all the help they can get ahead of the pending £74million arrival RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
Although a No9 is a clear must, many fans think new midfielder is an even bigger priority.
United are on the hunt for a dynamic midfielder to go in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 pivot after unconvincing displays by Manuel Ugarte in pre-season, with his display against Everton facing scrutiny.
Baleba was one of the Premier League’s top ranked midfielders last season for tackles, blocks, interceptions and recoveries, while his progressive carries and forward passing numbers were also impressive.
His stock is rising fast, and he’s already been linked with Liverpool and Manchester City.
The Brighton star’s journey is nothing short of remarkable so far. Just three years ago, he was still in Cameroon, uncertain about his future.
When he finally got his breakthrough move to Lille, tragedy struck, he lost his mother, he says it was sudden and quick. It’s a pain that still drives him.
Baleba previously told SunSport: “It was very difficult for me because I didn’t see my mum. I wanted her next to me, but when I signed for Brighton, she wasn’t here.
“That’s why the first season was really hard. I thought about her a lot. But I vowed that I would be the best version of myself and go as far as I can in my career.”
Brighton have made an incredible profit off the traditional ‘Big Six’ in recent years.
A switch to United would see Baleba follow in the footsteps of midfield stars like Alexis Mac Allister, Yves Bissouma, and Moises Caicedo – who all left the Amex for Prem giants.
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