Brighton are in discussions over a move for Lille’s highly-rated young midfielder Carlos Baleba.
The 19-year-old from Douala, in Cameroon is a strong, left-footed, all rounder who can break up the play and drive forward with the ball.
As one Premier League scout observed: ‘There is very little missing in his game. He has speed, technical ability, aggression and intelligence. He will develop more physically too as he’s only 19.’
With those kind of reviews it’s easy to see why AC Milan, Juventus, Monaco, Liverpool and Newcastle United have all been on Baleba’s trail.
Brighton are building a global reputation though as being a springboard to success especially in light of Moises Caicedo’s record breaking transfer to Chelsea.
Brighton have identified Lille’s Carlos Baleba (right) as the replacement for Moises Caicedo (left)
Roberto de Zerbi is keen to bring in a new midfielder before the transfer window closes
Brighton are offering around a £15m fee to Lille plus add-ons.
Brighton retain interest in Cole Palmer and James McAtee at Manchester City while they have left an offer on the table for Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus.
Striker Evan Ferguson is also attracting more Premier League interest but it would take some persuading for Brighton to part with another young star at this stage.
