Featured Image Credit: Getty - Twitter/@MITOMAFR
Topics: Brighton And Hove Albion, Moises Caicedo, Liverpool, Chelsea, Premier League
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Brighton And Hove Albion, Moises Caicedo, Liverpool, Chelsea, Premier League
A compilation of Brighton target Carlos Baleba has emerged after the Premier League club agreed personal terms with Lille's highly-rated midfielder.
It looks increasingly likely that Roberto De Zerbi's side will have to replace Moises Caicedo before this summer's window slam shut.
The 21-year-old Ecuador international, who has been strongly linked with a move for months, is set to join Chelsea after a British record fee was agreed on Monday.
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The Blues will fork out £100 million plus £15 million in performance-related add-ons for the player, according to widespread reports, as they continue their rebuild under Mauricio Pochettino.
Brighton, meanwhile, are already lining up a potential replacement for Caicedo in teenager Carlos Baleba.
Baleba, who is regarded by many as one of the top young prospects in Ligue 1, has impressed many since making his professional debut in August last year.
In fact, a host of clubs have been tracking the 19-year-old in recent months, including Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle. But it appears Brighton are in the hot seat.
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Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that an opening bid in excess of €16 million [£13.7m] plus add-ons has been submitted to Lille, with talking currently ongoing.
As well as being competent in regards to tackling, Cameroon-born Baleba completed more dribbles per 90 than any U21 midfielder in Ligue 1 last season – and also topped the charts for interceptions.
You can check out a highlights package of Baleba in action below.
Baleba, who made 22 appearances for Lille last season, notching two assists, gave us an insight into his life during an in-depth interview with Lille's website in January.
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"I grew up in the city of Douala, in the Akwa district," he said. "This is where I spent my childhood. I had ups and downs there. When I was very young, my house burned down. So we built a new one."
He added: "My father was a footballer. He had a good level, which allowed him to try out in France, at Saint-Étienne, but he didn't last. He finished in South Africa before returning to Cameroon."
The teenager also spoke about his development in the past year. "I think I have progressed in the defensive and tactical domain," he continued.
"Offensively, I hit, I make passes, I break lines. That I have always done. But defensively, tactically, I can say it, it was nil, zero. I have progressed in these aspects, but I still have to improve."