Man Utd could tempt Brighton into Carlos Baleba swap deal with once 'untouchable' player

A Manchester United player who was once deemed ‘untouchable’ could be used as a potential ‘make weight’ in United’s pursuit of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.

Baleba, 21, has been of interest to United throughout the summer transfer window but for now remains a Brighton player ahead of the September 1 deadline.

Despite United’s interest in the 21-year-old, no formal bid was made for the midfielder and several reports earlier this month even suggested that the Red Devils had called off their pursuit of Baleba.

However, central midfield remains a problem area for Ruben Amorim, who has used Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in the engine room during his side’s Premier League fixtures against Arsenal and Fulham so far this campaign.

Notably, Kobbie Mainoo has been an unused substitute in both matches and has since been linked with a potential move away from United.

On Tuesday (August 26), the Mail reported that at least ten clubs have been in contact regarding a potential move for the 20-year-old, with a decision on his future expected to be made ahead of next Monday’s deadline.

Both a loan and a permanent transfer are thought to be options for the England midfielder.

Kobbie Mainoo could leave Man Utd (Credit:Getty)

So, who are the favourites to sign him?

According to Sky Bet, Real Madrid and Atletico are the frontrunners to sign Mainoo, with Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Brighton also among the contenders.

And some fans have suggested that Mainoo could be used as part of a potential swap deal, which may rekindle United’s interest in Baleba.

One fan said: “Swapping Mainoo for Baleba would be the best piece of business United do since SAF.”

Carlos Baleba in action for Brighton (Credit:Getty)

Another added: “I’ll swap Mainoo for Baleba if there’s a chance for that happening, we need a really good and mobile midfielder to partner with Bruno for that pivot to work.”

A third claimed: “Make a Mainoo straight swap bid for Baleba. Mainoo is as talented, if not more, and if he clicks at Brighton, they can sell him for £100 million anyway.”

It is unclear whether United would be willing to sanction a swap deal for Mainoo, who was once considered ‘untouchable’ according to the MEN’s Samuel Luckhurst.

According to The Guardian, Mainoo has his sights set on joining a Champions League club, meaning Chelsea could be a realistic option, whereas this will likely disadvantage Brighton if they choose to pursue a deal.

What has Ruben Amorim said about Kobbie Mainoo?

Amorim was asked about why he decided against bringing Mainoo on against Fulham on Sunday, to which he explained the England man was competing with captain Fernandes for a spot in his side.

"He is fighting for the position now with Bruno," Amorim said. "I changed two midfielders. I like Mason Mount there because we want to score a goal.

"And then when I changed it, I felt that the team needed to return to one holding midfielder.

"So he just needs to fight for the position with Bruno in training. Like it should be at Manchester United."