Fabian Hurzeler has said he is ‘very confident’ that Brighton will retain Carlos Baleba despite interest from Manchester United.
Manchester United have held initial talks with Baleba’s representatives and Brighton to discuss a potential deal to sign the Cameroon international.
However, there is an acceptance on all sides that a deal is difficult, with Brighton valuing the 21-year-old at around £100m.
Baleba is understood to be open to the move to Old Trafford, though Hurzeler has said there has been no ‘change’ in the player’s attitude this week. The midfielder is expected to feature when Brighton open their Premier League campaign against Fulham this weekend.
“I didn’t see any change, he’s only changed his hair. I think that’s the change he’s made in the last two weeks,” Hurzeler said at his pre-match press conference.
“But overall he seems to be in a really good place, he’s enjoying it with his team-mates, he’s enjoying being a Brighton player.
“I didn’t see any big changes and he’s an option to start tomorrow”.
On whether Baleba would still be a Brighton player after September’s deadline, Hurzeler added: “Very very very confident, that’s just my belief.”
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