Manchester United sent clear Carlos Baleba transfer demand after 'contact' made
Rio Ferdinand has urged Manchester United to sign Carlos Baleba 'now,' responding to the transfer rumours on social media.
The 21-year-old has emerged as a candidate to join United this summer, following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Diego Leon and Benjamin Sesko. However, a report from ESPN may shatter any transfer hope for the Reds as Brighton will reportedly demand €120million (£104million) for the midfielder.
There’s been speculation that United might include Toby Collyer in a potential swap deal for Baleba. However, The Manchester Evening News understands that Collyer is not part of the ongoing talks.
On Saturday, Fabrizio Romano provided an update, stating that United have maintained contact with Baleba's agents about 'contract and salary.' Both United and the player 'want to move forward,' added the Italian reporter, but as things stand, there’s nothing concrete with Brighton.
Nonetheless, Ferdinand has already shared his verdict on a potential move. Taking to X, Ferdinand wrote: "Mobility in Man United attack. Let's gooooo! Baleba now pls," followed by a laughing emoji.
He also shared a video in which he gave his opinion on the club’s transfers so far this summer. "The mobility in the front areas now, is something, as a defender, I'm looking at and I'm thinking differently about Manchester United's front line," said Ferdinand.
"I'd be sitting there going, 'I'm going to have a physical presence up there, I'm going to have a physical test from all three positions and I've got people who can run and move up there - they're mobile, they're the things I was asking for, the last couple of years up there.
"More of that and you have to say, the recruitment team have delivered, they've absolutely delivered