Brighton & Hove Albion have drawn a firm line on Carlos Baleva’s future, according to talkSPORT.
With several Premier League clubs preparing for the winter season, the Seagulls are prepared to dismiss a January approach for the 21-year-old midfielder and offer a £120m price tag to a bidder if necessary.
The midfielder was heavily pursued by Manchester United in the summer transfer window, but Brighton fought the Red Devils and ultimately succeeded in keeping Baleva at the club.
Manchester United showed interest in Baleva in the summer
According to some reports, Baleva is worried about interest from Man United and manager Ruben Amorim is considering a move in January.
But Brighton have made their position clear. The midfielder is not for sale and United will have to look for an alternative target on the market.
United are thought to be focusing their mid-season signings elsewhere, with Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton seen as their top priority.
The Red Devils are expected to face major hurdles in the race to sign Wharton, with interest growing from Real Madrid in signing the Palace midfielder.
Red Devils target Adam Wharton
The Crystal Palace midfielder is known for his passing, ability to control the tempo of a match and link-up qualities.
He is a different player than Valeva, relying more on technique than pace or strength.
Wharton has quickly become a key pillar at Selhurst Park, but the Eagles have little appetite for a mid-season sale without a special offer.
As January approaches, Brighton are determined to keep Valeva, and they are backing that determination with a deterrent price.
Meanwhile, Man United have their sights set on Wharton. Wharton’s skillset fits perfectly into our midfield needs, but he will be difficult to acquire given the widespread interest in the player.
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